Superficial Peritoneal Endometriosis Vaporization Using a CO[sub.2] Laser: A Long-Term Single-Center Experience

• Published in: Journal of clinical medicine Vol. 13; no. 6
• Main Authors: Di Michele, Stefano, Bramante, Silvia, Angioni, Stefano, Bernassola, Michela, De Vita, Tommaso, Iaccarino, Daniela Anna, Giannoni, Luca, Rosati, Maurizio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 01.03.2024
• Subjects: Care and treatment; Diagnosis; Endometriosis; Evaluation; Lasers in surgery; Methods; Patient outcomes; Pregnancy; Italy
• ISSN: 2077-0383; 2077-0383
• DOI: 10.3390/jcm13061722

Background: The validation of laser usage during laparoscopic procedures, notably by Camran Nezhat in the late 1980s, has been significant. Lasers offer precision and depth control in tissue vaporization without bleeding. Surgical intervention remains central in managing endometriosis-associated pain and infertility, especially for patients unresponsive to hormonal therapy. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 200 patients with superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SPE) who underwent laparoscopic laser vaporization. Surgery was performed using a CO[sub.2] laser, and histological confirmation of endometriosis was obtained for all cases. Pain scores and SF-36 questionnaire domains were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Fertility outcomes were evaluated among patients desiring pregnancy. Results: Significant improvements in pain score and SF-36 questionnaire domains were observed postoperatively (p-value < 0.01), indicating enhanced quality of life. Among infertile patients with an active desire for pregnancy, surgical treatment showed an overall pregnancy rate after surgery of 93.7% (p-value < 0.01), including 75.7% natural pregnancies and 24.3% IVF. Laser vaporization enabled precise lesion removal with minimal tissue damage, short operative time, and minimal blood loss. Conclusions: Laparoscopic laser vaporization is an effective treatment for SPE, offering pain relief, improved quality of life, and favorable fertility outcomes. Further research is needed to validate these results in terms of pain control and fertility.