Laparoscopic Discoid Excision of Bowel Endometriosis Using Sutures for Closure

To demonstrate the technique of discoid excision of bowel endometriosis followed by closure of the bowel defect using sutures, without the application of the transanal stapler device.

Stepwise demonstration of the technique with narrated video footage.

Bowel endometriosis is a common pattern of deep endometriosis [1]. Discoid excision is 1 of the 3 surgical interventions applied to manage this pathologic entity, with shaving and segmental resection being the other 2 [2]. When discoid excision is performed, a transanal stapler device is used for bowel closure in most cases [3,4]. Only a few studies so far have reported the application of sutures for this purpose [5]. This video highlights the technique of bowel suturing after discoid excision.

This video presents the technique of bowel discoid excision with the application of sutures to close the bowel defect (Supplemental Video 1). The key surgical steps are as follows: 1. Dissection of both ureters and development of pararectal spaces. 2. Recognition and preservation of the inferior hypogastric plexus and the hypogastric nerve. 3. Detachment of the nodule from the cervix. 4. Detachment of the nodule from the bowel, beginning with deep shaving and followed by discoid excision. 5. Thorough description of the bowel closure using 2 layers of Vicryl 3-0 sutures, the first being interrupted and the second continuous.

The described technique of bowel closure using sutures may be a safe and effective alternative to the transanal stapler. Its advantage is that it can be performed when the pathology is located higher than 15 cm from the anal verge or the diameter of the nodule is more than 30 mm.