[Diagnosis and therapy of large intestine endometriosis]

Six cases (1981/82) with endometriosis of the bowel are reported on. There was a gynecological and surgical examination after 6-12 months. Intestinal symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and nodules, involving the cul-de-sac, the uterosacral ligaments and the anterior surface of the rectum are important symptoms of colonic endometriosis. Problems in diagnosis were illustrated by extramucosal radiologic appearance and normal mucosa and extrinsic pressure by proctosigmoidoscopy. Five patients were treated with resection of the involved bowel. Endometriosis is sufficiently common that it should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of colon lesions of women of childbearing age. In all cases characteristical symptoms were related.