Surgical treatment of colorectal endometriosis: an updated review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to summarize recent literature on the surgical treatment of colorectal endometriosis. RECENT FINDINGS: The last decade has seen a surge in the number of studies on bowel endometriosis, with a focus on preoperative evaluation, perioperative management, surgical approach, and surgical outcomes. Many of these studies have originated from large-volume referral centers with varying surgical approaches and philosophies. Colorectal surgery for endometriosis seems to have a positive impact on patient symptoms, quality of life, and fertility. However, these benefits must be weighed against a significant risk of postoperative complications and the potential for long-term bowel or bladder dysfunction, especially for more radical procedures involving the lower rectum. Importantly, most studies regarding surgical technique and outcomes have been limited by their observational design. SUMMARY: The surgical management of bowel endometriosis is complex and should be approached by a multidisciplinary team. Methodical preoperative evaluation, including appropriate imaging, is vital for surgical planning and patient counseling. The decision to perform a more conservative or radical excision is nuanced and remains an area of controversy. High quality studies in the form of multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed before clear recommendations can be made.

Robotic Management of Recurrent Rectal Endometriosis After Previous Segmental Bowel Resection.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the management of recurrent bowel endometriosis after previous colorectal resection. DESIGN: Surgical video article. The local institutional board review was omitted due to the narration of surgical management. Patient consent was obtained. SETTING: A tertiary referral center. The patient first underwent segmental bowel resection for deep infiltrating endometriosis of the rectum in the ENDORE randomized controlled trial in 2012 and then received a total hysterectomy in 2018. Five years later, she presented with recurrent nodules in the rectovaginal, left parametrium, and abdominal wall after discontinuing medical suppressive treatment. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic management using robotic assistance was employed to complete excision of the rectovaginal nodule. Disc excision was performed to remove rectal infiltration. The procedure started with rectal shaving and excision of vaginal infiltration . A traction stitch was placed over the limits of the rectal shaving area. The general surgeon placed a 28 mm circular anal stapler transanally and performed complete excision of the shaved rectal area. Anastomotic perfusion was checked with indocyanine green. A methylene blue enema test was conducted to rule out anastomotic leakage. Outcomes were favorable, with systematic self-catheterization during 5 postoperative weeks. No specific symptoms were related to the other 2 nodules, which were not removed. CONCLUSION: Rectal recurrences may occur long after colorectal resection and outside the limits of the previous surgery site. To accurately assess this risk, long-term follow-up of patients is mandatory.. Postoperative medical amenorrhea may play a role in recurrence prevention. Surgical management of recurrences may be challenging and focus on only those nodules responsible for symptoms so as to best preserve the organ's function and reduce postoperative morbidity.

Combined Cystoscopic-Abdominal Versus Abdominal-Only Route for Complete Excision of Large Deep Endometriosis Nodules Infiltrating the Supratrigonal Area of the Bladder: A Comparative Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Surgical excision of large deep endometriosis nodules infiltrating the bladder may be challenging, particularly when the nodule limits are close to the trigone and ureteral orifice. Bladder nodules have classically been approached abdominally. However, combining a cystoscopic with an abdominal approach may help to better identify the mucosal borders of the lesion to ensure complete excision without unnecessary resection of healthy bladder. This study aimed to compare classical excision of large bladder nodules by abdominal route with a combined cystoscopic-abdominal approach. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study on data prospectively recorded in a database. Patients were managed from September 2009 to June 2022. SETTING: Two tertiary referral endometriosis centers. PATIENTS: A total of 175 patients with deep endometriosis infiltrating the bladder more than 2 cm undergoing surgical excision of bladder nodules. INTERVENTIONS: Excision of bladder nodules by either abdominal or combined cystoscopic-abdominal approaches. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 141 women (80.6%) were managed by abdominal route and 34 women (19.4%) underwent a combined cystoscopic-abdominal approach. In 99.4% of patients, the approach was minimally invasive. Patients with nodules requiring the combined approach had a lower American Fertility Society revised score and endometriosis stage and less associated digestive tract nodules, but larger bladder nodules. They were less frequently associated with colorectal resection and preventive stoma. Operative time was comparable. The rate of early postoperative complications was comparable (8.8% vs 22%), as were the rates of ureteral fistula (2.2% vs 2.9%), bladder fistula (2.2% vs 0), and vesicovaginal fistula (0.7% vs 2.9%). CONCLUSION: In our opinion, the combined cystoscopic-abdominal approach is useful in patients with large bladder nodules with limits close to the trigone and ureteral orifice. These large deep bladder nodules seemed paradoxically associated to less nodules on the digestive tract, resulting in an overall comparable total operative time and complication rate.

Combined Robotic Transanal Transection Single-Stapled Technique in Ultralow Rectal Endometriosis Involvement Associated With Parametrial and Vaginal Infiltration.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a combined robotic and transanal technique used to treat ultralow rectal endometriosis in a 36-year-old patient with multiple pelvic compartments, which was responsible for infertility, dyspareunia, left sciatic pain, and severe dyschezia. DESIGN: Surgical video article. SETTING: The achievement of a perfect bowel anastomosis in patients with low rectal endometriosis could be challenging owing to technical and anatomic limitations [1]. By allowing a right angle rectotomy with a single-stapled anastomosis, the transanal transection single-stapled technique overcomes these technical difficulties ensuring a good-quality anastomosis with an easier correction of postoperative anastomotic leakage when it occurs [2,3]. INTERVENTIONS: The surgery starts by splitting the nodule in 3 components according to different anatomic structures involved (parametrium, vagina, and rectum). Parametrial and vaginal fragments are excised as previously described (Supplemental Videos 1) [4]. The rectal involvement is approached following several steps: isolation and cut of inferior mesenteric vessels (inferior mesenteric artery and inferior mesenteric vein) and left colic artery to obtain a proper colon mobilization; transanal rectotomy immediately below the lower limit of the nodule; extraction of the specimen through the anus (Supplemental Videos 2); proximal bowel segment transection 1 cm above the upper limit of the nodule; introduction of circular stapler anvil into the sigmoid colon; placement of 2 purse string to secure the anvil and at distal rectal cuff, respectively; connection of the anvil to the shoulder of circular stapler; stapler closing and firing with coloanal anastomosis formation; stapled line reinforcement by stitching; and integrity anastomosis test (Supplemental Videos 3). No preventive diverting stoma was performed in accordance with our policy [5]. CONCLUSIONS: Although no data are yet available in patients with endometriosis, the use of transanal transection single-stapled technique may be an interesting approach in patients with very low rectal endometriosis involvement.

Early Quality of Life Assessment After Segmental Colorectal Resection for Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Endometriosis is a benign condition afflicting women of reproductive age that significantly impacts their quality of life (QoL). Given its debilitating symptoms and prevalence, it is essential to define its proper management. In this study, we have assessed patient-reported outcomes among women having undergone segmental colorectal resection for deep infiltrating endometriosis. Any correlation between preoperative nutritional status and overall postoperative complications has also been analyzed. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Public medical center. PATIENTS: One hundred forty consecutive patients that had undergone segmental colorectal resection for DIE between November 2020 and October 2021 at IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital of Negrar of Valpolicella (Verona, Italy). INTERVENTIONS: Patient-reported outcomes were measured using data collected from the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for gastrointestinal surgery patients and Euro-QoL Group EQ-5D-5L (EQ-5Q-5L) questionnaires, which were administered preoperatively (T0), at discharge (T1) and at 4 to 6 weeks after surgery (T2). Nutritional status was examined through the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short form and Prognostic Nutritional Index. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A significant improvement in the EQ-5Q-5L and MDASI-GI scores was noted between T0 and T2 (p <. 001 and p <. 001, respectively.) No statistically significant differences were found in scores at T2 between patients who had experienced postoperative complications and those who had not. No statistically significant association was observed between the presence of malnutrition and overall postoperative complications and their severity. CONCLUSION: This study confirms, through patient-reported outcomes, the pivotal role of surgery in improving the QoL at 4 to 6 weeks of women affected by endometriosis who have previously been unresponsive to medical therapy.

Evaluation and management of chronic anorectal and pelvic pain syndromes: Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR) position statement.

Chronic pelvic pain is a hidden issue which needs to involve many different usually uncoordinated specialists. For this reason there is a risk that treatments, in the absence of well-defined pathways, common goals, and terminology, may be poorly effective. The aim of the present paper is to summarize the evidence on anorectal pelvic pain, offering useful evidence-based practice parameters for colorectal surgeons' daily activity. Analysis of chronic anorectal and pelvic pain syndromes, the diagnostic and clinical optimal needs for evaluation, and the innumerable low evidence treatments and therapeutic options currently available suggests that a multimodal individualized management of pain may be the most promising approach. The limited availability of dedicated centers still negatively affects the applicability of these principles.

Treatment of rectosigmoid endometriosis by laparoscopic reverse submucosal dissection (LRSD): The Sydney partial thickness discoid excision technique.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic reverse submucosal dissection (LRSD) is a standardised surgical technique for removal of rectosigmoid endometriosis which optimises the anatomical dissection plane for excision of endometriotic nodules. AIM: This cohort study assesses the outcomes of the first cohort of women treated by LRSD, for deeply infiltrating rectosigmoid endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary outcomes assessed were complication rate as defined by the Clavien-Dindo system, and completion of the planned LRSD. Secondary outcomes include mucosal breach, specimen margin involvement, length of hospital admission, and a comparison of pre-operative and post-operative pain, bowel function and quality of life surveys. These included the Endometriosis Health Profile Questionnaire (EHP-30), the Knowles-Eccersley-Scott Symptom Questionnaire (KESS) and the Wexner scale. RESULTS: Of 19 patients treated, one required a segmental resection. The median length of hospital admission was two days (range 1-5) and no post-operative complications occurred. Median pain visual analogue scales (scale 0-10) were higher prior to surgery (dysmenorrhoea 9.0, dyspareunia 7.5, dyschezia 9.0, pelvic pain 6.0) compared to post-surgical median scores (dysmenorrhoea 5.0, dyspareunia 4.0, dyschezia 2.0, pelvic pain 4.0) at a median of six months (range 4-32). Quality of life studies suggested improvement following surgery with pre-operative median EHP-30 and KESS scores (EHP-30: 85 (5-106), KESS score 9 (0-20)) higher than post-operative scores (EHP-30: 48.5 (0-80), KESS score: 3 (0-19)). CONCLUSION: This series highlights the feasibility of LRSD with low associated morbidity as a progression of partial thickness discoid excision (rectal shaving) for the treatment of rectosigmoid deep infiltrating endometriosis.

The implications of the anatomy of the nerves and vessels in the treatment of rectosigmoid endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a common benign gynecological disease characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus. It can be defined as endometrioma, superficial peritoneal endometriosis or deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) depending on the location and the depth of infiltration of the organs. In 5%-12% of cases, DIE affects the digestive tract, frequently involving the distal part of the sigmoid colon and rectum. Surgery is generally recommended in cases of obstructive symptoms and in cases with pain that is non-responsive to medical treatment. Selection of the most optimal surgical technique for the treatment of bowel endometriosis must consider different variables, including the number of lesions, eventual multifocal lesions, as well as length, width and grade of infiltration into the bowel wall. Except for some major and widely accepted indications regarding bowel resection, established international guidelines are not clear on when to employ a more conservative approach like rectal shaving or discoid resection, and when, instead, to opt for bowel resection. Damage to the pelvic autonomic nervous system may be avoided by detection of the middle rectal artery, where its relationship with female pelvic nerve fibers allows its use as an anatomical landmark. To reduce the risk of potential vascular and nervous complications related to bowel resection, a less invasive approach such as shaving or discoid resection can be considered as potential treatment options. Additionally, the middle rectal artery can be used as a reference point in cases of upper bowel resection, where a trans mesorectal technique should be preferred to prevent devascularization and denervation of the bowel segments not affected by the disease.

[Implementation of fluorescent imaging technology in endovideosurgical treatment of colorectal endometriosis]. / Vnedrenie tekhnologii fluorestsentnoi vizualizatsii v endovideokhirurgicheskoe lechenie kolorektal'nogo endometrioza.

The article includes a clinical case of a patient with deep infiltrating endometriosis with rectum involving and using intraoperative controlled fluorescence in order to increase the radicality of surgery and improve the prognosis of the disease. Surgical excision of the endometrioitic nodules is the only effective way of treating patients with colorectal endometriosis in terms of relieving pain, improving quality of life and restoring reproductive function. The possible types of surgical interventions can be performed: endometrioid lesion shaving, discoid or circular intestinal resection with anastomosis. The extent of the operation is determined by the following morphological parameters: the number of endometrioid infiltrates of the intestinal wall, the size of each of them, the degree of involvement of the intestine circumference, the depth of the intestinal wall lesion, the distance from the level of anus to the endometriotic nodule and lymphatic dissemination.

Pain, gastrointestinal function and fertility outcomes of modified nerve-vessel sparing segmental and full thickness discoid resection for deep colorectal endometriosis - A prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: There is an ongoing debate on surgical techniques for colorectal deep endometriosis (DE) and their effects on gastrointestinal (GI) function. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the differences in pre- and postsurgical GI function, health profiles and pain symptoms in women undergoing colorectal surgery for symptomatic DE either with a modified segmental resection technique, so-called nerve-vessel sparing segmental resection (NVSSR), or full thickness discoid resection (FTDR). Complication rates and fertility outcomes were also evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 162 consecutive patients, 125 (77.2%) of whom underwent NVSSR and 37 (22.8%) FTDR, were evaluated regarding complication rates. Furthermore a lower anterior resection syndrome (LARS) scores, gastrointestinal function-related quality of life index (GIQLI), pain symptoms, endometriosis health profile (EHP-30) parameters were analyzed pre- and post-surgery in a final cohort of 121 patients. RESULTS: There was no difference between postsurgical prevalence of LARS in either surgery group (14/98, 14.1% NVSSR; 2/23, 8.6% FTDR), with significantly decreased LARS scores and increased GIQLI values before vs after surgery in both groups (P < 0.001). The overall grade III complication rate was 7/162 (4.3%) with no significant differences between NVSSR and FTDR groups. Overall, EHP-30 and pain scores significantly decreased after a median follow-up of 41 (± 17.6) months (EHP-30 51.1, SD 21.5 vs 12.7, SD 19.3, P < 0.001; dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dyschezia all P < 0.001 both cohorts, respectively). The overall life birth rate and postsurgical pregnancy in infertile patients undergoing NVSSR and FTDR was respectively 58.1% in 25/43 patients; 55.6% in 5/9 patients; 56.0% in 14/25 patients and 100% in 5/5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: NVSSR and FTDR for symptomatic colorectal DE confer a significant amelioration of GI function reflected by decreased LARS symptoms and increased GIQLI scores with no differences in postsurgical function in between the two techniques. Both techniques confer similar complication rates and effects on pain reduction and health profiles.

Prevalence of urinary dysfunction after minimally invasive surgery for deep rectosigmoid endometriosis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and progression of lower urinary tract symptoms following laparoscopic surgery for deep-infiltrating endometriosis of the rectosigmoid and identify preoperative factors associated with worse postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Prospective, observational study. SETTINGS: single-center, referral hospital for endometriosis. Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for deep-infiltrating endometriosis of the rectosigmoid colon between October 2016 and October 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: urinary function was assessed with the validated Portuguese language version of the International Prostate Symptom Score, which is also used in women. The score was collected before and after surgery. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre and postoperative scores and the chi-square test compared symptoms categorized by severity. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were assessed and 44 were included. Concerning urinary symptoms after surgery, the irritative symptoms prevailed over the obstructive ones. Additionally, 58.8% and 54.5% of the women reported moderate or severe symptoms at pre and postoperative, respectively. In at least one questionnaire category, the postoperative questionnaire scores increased in ten (22.7%) participants. A statistically significant difference was found comparing the changes from absent/mild to moderate/severe IPSS categories (P = 0.039). No significant changes were identified in any of the International Prostate Symptom Score pre and postoperatively (P = 0.876). CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of pre and postoperative urinary symptoms. Patients with preoperative moderate/severe International Prostate Symptom Score are at risk of persisting urinary dysfunction after surgery for rectosigmoid deep endometriosis.

Stapled disc excision for the repair of intraoperative rectal injury during robotic surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis.

INTRODUCTION: Intraoperative rectal perforation is an uncommon complication of pelvic surgery, which can be life-threatening and often leads to high morbidity and stoma formation rate. PURPOSE: No consensus has been reached regarding a standard of care for intraoperative iatrogenic pelvic injury. This article presents a technique for a stapled repair to completely resect a full-thickness low rectal perforation during robotic surgery for advanced endometriosis and avoid a high-risk colorectal anastomosis and the possible need for stoma formation. CONCLUSION: Stapled discoid excision is a novel and safe technique for the repair of intraoperative rectal injuries, showing multiple benefits compared to the standard colorectal resection with or without anastomosis.

Endometriosis with colonic and rectal involvement: surgical approach and outcomes in 142 patients.

PURPOSE: Endometriosis involving the colon and/or rectum (CRE) is operatively managed using various methods. We aimed to determine if a more limited excision is associated with 30-day complications, symptom improvement, and/or recurrence. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of consecutive cases of patients who underwent surgical management of CRE between 2010 and 2018. Primary outcomes were the associations between risk factors and symptom improvement, 30-day complications, and time to recurrence. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the independent risk factors. RESULTS: Of 2681 endometriosis cases, 142 [5.3% of total, mean age 35.4 (31.0; 39.0) years, 73.9% stage IV] underwent CRE excision (superficial partial = 66.9%, segmental = 27.5%, full thickness = 1.41%). Minor complications (14.8%) were associated with blood loss [150 (112; 288) vs. 100 (50.0; 200) mls, p = 0.046], Sigmoid involvement [45.5% vs. 12.2%, HR 5.89 (1.4; 22.5), p = 0.01], stoma formation [52.6% vs. 8.9%, HR 10.9 (3.65; 34.1), p < 0.001], and segmental resection [38.5% vs. 5.8%, HR 9.75 (3.54; 30.4), p < 0.001]. Superficial, partial-thickness resections were associated with decreased risk [(4.2% vs. 36.2%), HR 0.08 (0.02; 0.24), p < 0.001]. Factors associated with major complications (8.5%) were blood loss [250 (100; 400) vs. 100 (50.0; 200) mls, p = 0.03], open surgery [31.6% vs. 4.9%, HR 8.74 (2.36; 32.9), p = 0.001], stoma formation [42% vs. 3.3%, HR 20.3 (5.41; 90.0), p < 0.001], and segmental colectomy [28.2% vs. 0.9%, HR 34.6 (6.25; 876), p < 0.001]. Partial-thickness resection was associated with decreased risk ([.05% vs. 23.4%, HR 8.74 (2.36; 32.9), p < 0.001]. 19.1% experienced recurrence. Open surgery [5.2% vs. 21.3%, HR 0.14 (0.02; 1.05), p = 0.027] and superficial partial thickness excision [23.4% vs. 10.6%, HR 2.86 (1.08; 7.59), p = 0.027] were associated. Segmental resection was associated with decreased recurrence risk [7.6% vs. 23.5%, HR 0.27 (0.08; 0.91), p = 0.024]. CONCLUSION: Limiting resection to partial-thickness or full-thickness disc excision compared to bowel resection may improve complications but increase recurrence risk.

Laparoscopic Discoid Excision of Bowel Endometriosis Using Sutures for Closure.

OBJECTIVE: 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. DESIGN: Stepwise demonstration of the technique with narrated video footage. SETTING: 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. INTERVENTIONS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.

Management of a Large Endometriotic Nodule of the Right Parametrium Involving the Sacral Roots, Vagina, Rectum, and Sigmoid Colon, with Intraoperative Bleeding.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Deep endometriotic lesions may involve the deep parametrium, which is highly vascular and includes numerous somatic and autonomous nerves [1,2]. Surgeons who dissect in this area must always be prepared to deal with major bleeding and to master the different techniques of hemostasis. The goal of this video is to show the steps of laparoscopic excision of deep endometriotic lesion of the parametrium and the steps taken to control the bleeding encountered from one of the venous branches. DESIGN: Surgical educational video. SETTING: Endometriosis referral center. INTERVENTIONS: Excision of the endometriotic parametrial nodule and the release of the sacral plexus, with excision of the vaginal involvement, rectal disc excision, and segmental resection of the sigmoid colon. The video shows the excision of a deep endometriosis involving the right parametrium, mid rectum, sigmoid colon, and vagina. The excision of deep endometriosis of the parametrium followed the 10 steps previously described [1]. During this procedure, careful dissection of arteries and veins branching from the internal iliac vessels is a crucial step. However, injury of one or more of the vessels can still occur. The video presents the different techniques used to control the bleeding from a venous injury faced during the dissection around the nodule in the parametrium, including energy use, clips, hem-o-loks, and direct continuous pressure. Of note, hemostatic agents are available; however, we have not yet successfully used them in the circumstances in which large veins were injured. The ultimate solution in our case was the clamping of the injured vessels, allowing meticulous dissection and sectioning of all the feeding vessels, while taking care not to injure the sacral roots that were just beneath these veins. Total operative time was 4 hours. CONCLUSION: Surgery of deep endometriosis involving the sacral plexus may be successfully done laparoscopically. Thorough knowledge of the deep pelvis anatomy is mandatory, and the surgeon should master various techniques of hemostasis, particularly on deep veins.

Disk Excision Using End-to-End Anastomosis Circular Stapler for Deep Endometriosis of the Rectum: A 492-Patient Continuous Prospective Series.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To report a large series including women managed by disk excision using end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) circular transanal stapler to assess the feasibility of the technique, the features of nodules suitable for removal by disk excision, and the rate of major early complications. DESIGN: Retrospective study on data prospectively recorded in 2 databases. SETTING: Two tertiary referral centers. PATIENTS: A total of 492 patients undergoing surgery for rectal endometriosis from May 2011 to June 2022. INTERVENTIONS: Rectal disk excision using the EEA stapler. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Disk excision using EEA was performed in 492 patients (24.2%) of 2,029 women receiving surgery for deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum during the 11-year study period. Deep endometriosis involved low rectum in 11% and mid rectum in 55.3%. The diameter of rectal nodules exceeded 3 cm in 65.9%. Mean operative time was 2 hours, mean diameter of rectal patches removed was 41 ± 11 mm, and the mean rectal suture height was 9.2 ± 5.5 cm. The presence of microscopic foci on the edges of rectal patches was identified in 30.2% of cases. Rectal fistula was recorded in 20 patients (4%). The distance from the anal verge was significantly lower in patients with fistula than women with no fistula (5.9 ± 2 cm vs 9.2 ± 5.6 cm, p = .027). Follow-up ranged from 1 to 120 months, with a median value of 36 months. Magnetic resonance imaging in 3 patients during follow-up revealed a recurrent nodule infiltrating the previous stapled line (0.6%) after a postoperative delay of, respectively, 36, 48, and 84 months. CONCLUSION: Disk excision using the EEA stapler is suitable in nodules >3 cm if surgeons ensure deep shaving of the rectum, to allow complete inclusion of the shaved area into the stapler jaws. Postoperative rectal recurrences seem incidental, whereas bowel leakage rate is comparable with that after colorectal resection. This technique is suitable in almost a quarter of patients managed for rectal endometriosis nodules and is therefore a valuable technique that warrants more widespread use.

Ultrasound-guided Aspiration Combined with Medical Treatment for an Unexpected Rectal Endometriotic Cyst: A Case Report.

Most bowel endometriotic lesions are ill-defined serosal and subserosal nodules, and no case of cystic bowel endometriosis has been reported in the literature. This is the first report of an unexpected presentation of bowel endometriosis as a primary cyst located inside the posterior rectal wall. The patient was a 26-year-old nulliparous woman with progressive lower abdominal pain for 6 days and difficult defecation for 1 day. Colorectal surgeons recommended bowel resection owing to the giant rectal mass. However, the patient refused to undergo surgery. Ultrasound-guided aspiration of the rectal endometriotic cyst followed by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist injection was individually scheduled, which finally brought significant improvement both in symptoms and in the size of the rectal endometriotic lesion.

Laparoscopic Double Discoid Colorectal Resection for the Treatment of Two Distinct Deep Endometriotic Nodules.

OBJECTIVE: To show the surgical steps used to perform a laparoscopic double discoid colorectal resection for the excision of 2 distinct deep endometriotic nodules (DENs). DESIGN: Stepwise demonstration of the technique with narrated video footage. SETTING: To date there is agreement that discoid resection should be the first choice procedure in patients eligible for surgical treatment with rectal, unifocal DENs measuring ≤ 3 cm [1-3]. For surgical management of lesions of the sigmoid colon, current international guidelines suggest to perform segmental resections [3]. Data on surgical treatment of multiple colorectal DENs separated by a great distance from each other are very limited, mostly owing to the rarity of such a diagnosis. In particular, there is paucity of data concerning the efficacy and safety of a double discoid resection for surgical management of distinct DENs found in the sigmoid colon and rectum [4]. In a context of multiple colorectal DENs, the decision-making process with respect to a double discoid excision must take into consideration both the distance between the 2 nodules and the nodules' distance from anal verge. When technically feasible, such organ-sparing surgery allows preserving the healthy bowel interposed between the endometriotic lesions, seeming to offer advantages in terms of quicker return of bowel function and better rectal functional outcomes than segmental colorectal resection. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was a 36-year-old woman experiencing drug treatment failure and presenting with refractory constipation, dyschezia, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, cyclical abdominal bloating, and chronic pelvic pain. Preoperative ultrasonography revealed the presence of an endometriotic nodule of 19 × 6 × 16 mm deeply infiltrating the tunica muscularis of the sigmoid colon. A second DEN was found at the level of the rectum, the latter measuring 19 × 5 × 12 mm and having a distance of 9 cm from the anal verge. Both the intestinal lesions resulted to have a circumferential extent of 30%. The distance between the 2 nodules was 15 cm. A 3-dimensional laparoscopy was performed. Sigmoid colon and rectal mobilization were performed according to our standardized technique [5-7]. A 31-mm circular stapler was used to excise first the nodule of the sigmoid colon. The stapler, in its closed position, was gently introduced into the rectum via the anus and then progressively advanced inside the large bowel up to the level of the sigmoid nodule. After correct positioning, the stapler was completely opened and the nodule was imbricate between the anvil and staple housing of the stapler. Then, the stapler was closed and fired. The procedure was repeated using a second 31 mm circular stapler to resect the rectal endometriotic nodule. The overall operative time was 90 minutes. The estimated blood loss was 5 mL. Neither intra- nor postoperative complications occurred. The patient was discharged 3 days after surgery. The sigmoid colon and rectal endometriotic nodules measured, respectively, 20 × 6 × 15 mm and 20 × 5 × 12 mm on fresh unfixed specimens. Both nodules were found to have endometriosis-free surgical margins on definitive pathology. CONCLUSIONS: The operative technique displayed in this video may contribute to the standardization of a procedure, which could be included among the options available in the surgical armamentarium, to be used in selected cases of multiple colorectal DENs each having 3 cm or less in diameter. Surgeon experience and an adequate preoperative evaluation are of utmost importance to plan the operative strategy and have the best chance of surgical success.

Study of postoperative complications after the implementation of a multidisciplinary care pathway for patients with digestive endometriosis.

PURPOSE: To assess the quality of care following the establishment of a multidisciplinary care pathway for patient operated on for deep pelvic endometriosis with digestive impairment. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective monocentric study of patients suffering from deep infiltrating endometriosis, treated in Gynaecological Department at Toulouse University Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. We compared our results to those of our previous study, Gornes et al. which showed a postoperative complication occurred in 37.8% of the cases and a postoperative severe complication according to the Clavien-Dindo classification (grades 3b) rate of 18.3%. RESULTS: 98 patients were included. Our study shows a clear decrease in postoperative complications with an overall complication rate of 19.4% and severe complications (grades 3b) of 4.1%. The rate of complication appeared to be significantly less frequent in the case of shaving in relation to other digestive procedures (p = 0.008) and in the case of a lesion of < 20 mm by MRI (p = 0.01). The use of multidisciplinary surgical care was more frequent in the case of multiple locations (66.7% vs. 41.8%, p = 0.07) and was more frequent in the case of transmural damage with echo endoscopy (and to a lesser degree in the case of damage of the muscularis or mucous membrane) (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary care of endometriosis with digestive damage appears to be indispensable. The intraoperative intervention of a skilled digestive surgeon of bowel endometriosis helps create the best balance between effectiveness-complications-functional prognosis, with a reduction of severe postoperative complications.

MRI and rectal endoscopy sonography performance to diagnose the digestive depth infiltration of pelvic endometriosis.

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performances of MRI and rectal endoscopy sonography (RES) in predicting the depth of bowel wall infiltration by deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). MATERIAL AND METHOD: We conducted a single center retrospective study from April 2014 to March 2020 including all patients who had undergone digestive tract resection (discoid or segmental) for DIE removal and who had benefited from full preoperative imaging workup based on both pelvic MRI and RES. RESULTS: Fifty two patients were enrolled in the study. Median age was 35.8 years (26.1-44.5 years). Indications for surgery mainly comprised chronic pelvic pain (94.2%) and infertility (36.5%). Overall, pathological examination showed digestive involvement in 92.3% of patients, while transmural infiltration was found in 38.4% of cases. In contrast, both MRI and RES suspected transmural involvement in 42 patients (80.8%). Corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 0.95 [95% CI (0.751-0.999)] and 0.28 [95% CI (0.137-0.467)], respectively. Our results revealed agreement between MRI and RES in 85% of cases with a kappa at 0.5 [95% CI (0.207-0.803), moderate agreement]. Subgroup analysis in patients with transmural MRI lesions showed a sensitivity of 0.95 [95% CI (0.740-0.999)] and a specificity of 0.13 [95% CI (0.028-0.336)]. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that performing a second-line examination is not useful if there is no transmural impairment in MRI or RES. Nevertheless, the combination of these two preoperative examinations seems to be essential for the evaluation of the depth of digestive involvement of endometriosis to guide surgical management as effectively as possible. The constitution and training of multidisciplinary expert groups must be developed to be able to offer optimal patient management.