Contribution of Computed Tomography Enema and Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Diagnose Multifocal and Multicentric Bowel Lesions in Patients With Colorectal Endometriosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic contribution of the computed tomography (CT) enema and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for multifocal (multiple lesions affecting the same segment) and multicentric (multiple lesions affecting several digestive segments) bowel endometriosis. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). PATIENTS: Eighty-five patients. SETTING: Tenon University Hospital, Paris, France. INTERVENTION: All patients received a preoperative CT enema and underwent MRI interpreted by 2 radiologists. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients underwent colorectal resection for colorectal endometriosis from February 2009 to November 2012. Nineteen patients (22%) had multifocal lesions, and 11 patients (13%) had multicentric lesions. Six patients (7%) had both multifocal and multicentric lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRs) of MRI for the diagnosis of multifocal lesions were 0.58, 0.84, 3.55, and 0.5, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative LRs of the CT enema for the diagnosis of multifocal lesions were 0.64, 0.86, 4.56, and 0.4, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive LR of MRI for the diagnosis of multicentric lesions were 1, 0.88, and 8.4, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative LRs of MRI for the diagnosis of multicentric lesions were 0.46, 0.92, 5.6, and 0.59, respectively. No difference was observed between MRI and the CT enema for the diagnosis of multifocal and multicentric colorectal endometriosis. The interobserver agreement was good for MRI and the CT enema (κ = 0.45 and 0.45) for multifocality, and it was poor for both MRI and the CT enema (κ = 0.32 and 0.34) for multicentricity. CONCLUSIONS: Both MRI and the CT enema were able to diagnose multifocal and multicentric bowel endometriosis with similar accuracy.

Outcome of laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Endometriosis is a frequent gynaecological disorder in young women. Colorectal endometriosis accounts for about 90% of all intestinal locations. The effectiveness of medical therapies is poor, and surgery, including colorectal resection, is therefore often required. Since the first description of laparoscopic colorectal resection by Redwine and Sharp, the feasibility of this approach has been confirmed by several teams but remains a matter of debate. RECENT FINDINGS: A review of the literature showed that conversion to laparotomy was necessary in 7.8% of cases. Segmental colorectal resection appears to be the best option, owing to the risk of incomplete resection in the case of full-thickness disc or superficial-thickness excision. However, complications are more frequent with segmental resection than with other procedures, and include de-novo urinary disorders. Laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis is associated with symptom relief and a significant improvement in quality of life. In addition, 44.6% of women wishing to conceive were able to do so. SUMMARY: Laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis appears to be an adequate alternative to laparotomy. Further studies are required to identify objective criteria with which to select women most likely to benefit from this surgery, which must be performed in special units.