Reproductive Outcomes After Laparoscopic Treatment of Endometriosis in Women with Infertility

To assess the impact of laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis on pregnancy outcomes in women with infertility, performed either before or after failed fertility enhancement technology (FET). Secondary aims included evaluating the influence of age, body mass index (BMI), prior pregnancies, endometriosis stage, and the presence of endometriomas on reproductive outcomes.

Retrospective cohort study of 95 women aged 18-45 with primary or secondary infertility who underwent treatment of endometriosis laparoscopically with or without robotic assistance between January 2015 and January 2023. All surgeries were performed by a single gynecologic surgeon. Patients were grouped based on whether they had prior FET failure or no prior FET. Comparisons were made between pregnant and nonpregnant patients across both groups.

Postsurgical pregnancy rates (spontaneous vs assisted reproductive technology [ART]) and factors associated with pregnancy outcomes, including age, BMI, endometriosis stage, and presence of endometriomas.

Of 44 patients with prior failed FET, 82% conceived postsurgery, with 97% requiring ART. In the 51 patients without prior FET, 78% conceived, and 31% did so spontaneously. Younger age was significantly associated with pregnancy in the nonprior FET group (P = .011). Endometriosis stage did not significantly influence outcomes. Patients with endometriomas were more likely to be referred for surgery before FET.

Laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis is associated with high pregnancy rates, regardless of prior FET status. These findings support the role of surgery as a key component in fertility management for women with endometriosis, especially prior to initiating FET.