Safe multidisciplinary approach in deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE): is it feasible?

Evaluate the type and incidence of postoperative complications after surgery for deep infiltrative endometriosis at Biocor Hospital.

Our observational study involved a multidisciplinary surgical team that performed laparoscopy on 154 patients suffering from pelvic pain. Surgical complications occurring up to the 30th postoperative day were recorded.

Mean age patient age was 34.1 years. Infertility was present in 69 (45%) although 31% had not attempted to get pregnant. Dysmenorrhea was the most frequent symptom (79.3%) followed by chronic pelvic pain (59.7%) and deep dyspareunia (48,7%). Most cases required extensive surgery as the majority (n=117; 76.9%) were classified as severe endometriosis (ASRM grade IV). The most frequent surgical procedures were: 136 adhesiolysis, 100 intestinal surgeries (85 retosigmoidectomies), 92 peritonal lesion excision, 39 vaginal resections, 19 myomectomies, 21 hysterectomies and 5 partial bladder resections. Postoperative complications were recorded in 14 (9.59%) patients: 8 (5.48%) major complications and 6 (4.11%) minor. Major complications included blood transfusion (n=2) retosigmoid anastomosis dehiscence (1), rectovaginal fistula (n=1), urinary fistula (n=1), deep vein thrombosis (n=1), lower limb compartment syndrome with motor deficit (n=1) and one intestinal obstruction (n=1). Minor complications were abdominal wall infection (n=3), peripheral neuropathy (n=3), bladder atony (n=1) and bladder perforation (n=1). No deaths were observed. All major complication cases underwent retosigmoidectomy associated with vaginal resection (n=6), uterosacral ligament excision (n=5) or hysterectomy (n=3).

The surgical treatment of DIE is complex and subject to complications. The surgical expertise of a multidisciplinary team plays a vital role in this setting.