Bowel resection for severe endometriosis: An Australian series of 177 cases

• Published in: Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology Vol. 49; no. 4; pp. 415 - 418
• Main Authors: WILLS, Hannah J., REID, Geoffrey D., COOPER, Michael J. W., TSALTAS, Jim, MORGAN, Matthew, WOODS, Rodney J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melbourne, Australia Blackwell Publishing Asia 01.08.2009
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; bowel resection; Colonic Diseases - pathology; Colonic Diseases - surgery; colorectal endometriosis; Colorectal Surgery - methods; Endometriosis - complications; Endometriosis - pathology; Endometriosis - surgery; Female; Humans; laparoscopy; Laparoscopy - adverse effects; Laparoscopy - methods; Middle Aged; Pain - etiology; Rectal Diseases - pathology; Rectal Diseases - surgery; Retrospective Studies; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0004-8666; 1479-828X
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-828X.2009.01020.x

Background: Colorectal resection for severe endometriosis has been increasingly described in the literature over the last 20 years. Aims: To describe the experiences of three gynaecological surgeons who perform radical surgery for colorectal endometriosis. Methods: The records of three surgeons were reviewed. Relevant information was extracted and complied into a database. Results: One hundred and seventy‐seven women were identified as having undergone surgery between February 1997 and October 2007. The primary reason for presentation was pain in the majority of women (79%). Eighty‐one segmental resections were performed, 71 disc excisions, ten appendicectomies and multiple procedures in ten women. The majority of procedures (81.4%) were performed laparoscopically. Histology confirmed the presence of disease in 98.3% of cases. A further 124 procedures to remove other sites of endometriosis were conducted, along with an additional 44 procedures not primarily for endometriosis. A total of 16 unintended events occurred. Conclusions: Our study adds to the growing body of literature describing colorectal resection for severe endometriosis. Overall, the surgery appeared to be well tolerated, demonstrating the role for this surgery.