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.

Long-term risk of repeated surgeries in women managed for endometriosis: a 1,092 patient-series.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term risk of repeated surgery in women undergoing complete excision of endometriosis by an experienced surgeon and to identify circumstances leading up to repeat surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective study based on data recorded in a large prospective database. SETTING: University Hospital. PATIENT(S): A total of 1,092 patients managed for endometriosis, from June 2009 to June 2018, by one surgeon. INTERVENTION(S): Complete excision of endometriosis lesions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The recording of a repeated surgery linked to endometriosis performed during follow-up. RESULT(S): Endometriosis was exclusively superficial in 122 patients (11.2%) and 54 women (5%) had endometriomas without associated deep endometriosis nodules. Deep endometriosis was managed in 916 women (83.9%), leading to infiltration or not of the bowel in 688 (63%) and 228 (20.9%) patients, respectively. A majority of patients were managed for severe endometriosis infiltrating the rectum (58.4%). Mean and median follow-up was 60 months. A total of 155 patients underwent a repeated surgery relating to endometriosis; 108 procedures were required because of recurrences (9.9%), 39 surgeries were related to the management of infertility by assisted reproductive techniques (3.6%), and in 8 surgeries, a direct relationship between surgery and endometriosis was probable but not certain (0.8%). The majority of procedures involved hysterectomy for adenomyosis (n=45, 4.1%). The probability of requiring repeated surgery at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years was 3%, 11%, 18%, 23%, and 28%, respectively. Cox's multivariate model identified postoperative pregnancy and hysterectomy as being statistically significant independent predictors for a reduction in the probability of having a repeated surgery, after adjustment on continuous postoperative amenorrhea, the main localization of the disease, and management for endometriosis infiltrating the rectum during the first surgery. CONCLUSION(S): Up to 28% of patients may require a repeated surgical procedure during the 10 years after complete excision of endometriosis. Conservation of the uterus is followed by an increased risk of repeated surgery. The study is based on outcomes resulting from a single surgeon, which limits the generalizability of results.

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.

Pregnancy rate following endometriomas management by ablation using plasma energy, cystectomy and drainage: A three-arm comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare differences in the postoperative pregnancy rate in women seeking to conceive and presenting with endometriomas larger than 3 cm in diameter, which were managed by ablation using plasma energy, cystectomy, or simple drainage. METHODS: A retrospective three-arm comparative study based on prospective collection of data evaluating 363 patients, undergoing endometrioma cystectomy, ablation using plasma energy, or simple drainage. RESULTS: In this series, 204 (56.2%) patients underwent endometrioma ablation using plasma energy, 121 (33.3%) received cystectomy, and 38 (10.5%) had a simple drainage. Postoperative follow up was 50 ± 26 months. Overall postoperative pregnancy rate was 60.3%. The probability of being pregnant after cystectomy, ablation, and drainage was respectively 27%, 32%, and 16% at 12 months, with a statistically significant difference between pregnancy rates among the three arms (P = 0.015). Simple drainage was associated with a probability of conception over 50% after 2 years, mainly based on postoperative assisted reproductive technology. CONCLUSIONS: We reveal good postoperative pregnancy rate after ablation using plasma energy or cystectomy for endometriomas. Surgical management should be carefully considered in women with endometriomas and pregnancy intention, because the postoperative pregnancy rate may be compared with that observed after first-line assisted reproductive technology management.

Association between Endometriosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Eating Disorders: ENDONUT Pilot Study.

Background and aim: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eating disorders (ED) and endometriosis share common pathophysiological mechanisms, involving alterations of the gut−brain axis. The aim of the ENDONUT pilot study was to investigate an association between these three diseases by screening for IBS and ED in patients with endometriosis. Method: We included patients from the CIRENDO cohort (Inter-Regional North-West Cohort of women with ENDOmetriosis) with a recent documented diagnosis of endometriosis of less than 4 years, regardless of age, date of onset of symptoms, type of endometriosis (digestive or not), with or without endometriosis-related digestive surgery. Validated questionnaires were used to screen for IBS (Rome IV, Francis score), ED (SCOFF-F, EAT-26), and anxiety/depression (HAD). Anthropometric data and lifestyle habits were also collected. The primary composite endpoint was SCOFF-F and ROME-IV scores. Results: Among 100 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 54 patients completed all the questionnaires. Of these, 19 had a positive SCOFF-F score (35.2%), 26 had a positive ROME-IV score (48.1%), and 14 patients (25.9%) had both a positive SCOFF-F score and a positive ROME-IV score (p = 0.006). Patients with positive SCOFF-F and ROME-IV scores had significantly higher HAD-anxiety and depression scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest a significant association between IBS, ED and endometriosis. The prevalence of IBS and ED in our population is higher than in the general population. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results, to better understand this triad, and to improve the diagnostic and multidisciplinary therapeutic management of these patients.

Long-term Outcomes Following Surgical Management of Rectal Endometriosis: Seven-year Follow-up of Patients Enrolled in a Randomized Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare functional outcomes, recurrence rate, and pregnancy likelihood in patients undergoing conservative or radical surgery for deep rectal endometriosis followed up for 7 years. DESIGN: Prospective study in a cohort of patients enrolled in a 2-arm randomized trial from March 2011 to August 2013. SETTING: A tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Fifty-five patients with deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum. INTERVENTIONS: Patients underwent either segmental resection or nodule excision via shaving or disk excision, depending on randomization that was performed preoperatively using sequentially numbered, opaque sealed envelopes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary end point was the number of patients experiencing one of the following symptoms: constipation, frequent bowel movements, anal incontinence, or bladder dysfunction 24 months after surgery. The secondary end points were values of gastrointestinal and overall quality of life scores. The 7-year recurrence rates (new deep endometriosis nodules infiltrating the rectum) in the excision vs segmental resection arms were 7.4 % vs 0% (p = .24). One of the symptoms included in the definition of the primary outcomes was recorded in 55.6% vs 60.7% of patients (p = .79). However, 51.9% vs 53.6% of patients considered their bowel movements as normal (p = .99). An intention-to-treat comparison of overall quality of life scores did not find a difference between the 2 groups 7 years after surgery. At the end of the 7-year study period, 31 of 37 patients who tried to conceive were successful (83.8%), including 27 pregnancies (57.4%) resulting from natural conception and 20 pregnancies (42.6%) resulting from assisted reproductive technology procedures. The pregnancy rate was 82.4% vs 85% in the 2 arms (p = .99). A 75.7% live birth rate was recorded. At the end of the follow-up, there were 15 women with 1 child (40.5%) and 13 women with 2 children (35.1%). During the 7-year follow-up, the reoperation rates were 37% and 35.7%, respectively, in each arm (p = .84). Among the 27 reoperation procedures during the follow-up period, 11 (40.7%) were for postoperative complications, 7 (25.9%) were necessary before assisted reproductive technology management, 8 (29.6%) were for recurrent abdominal or pelvic pain, and 1 (3.7%) was for midline ventral hernia after pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Our study did not reveal a considerable difference in terms of digestive functional outcomes, recurrence rate, reoperation risk, and pregnancy likelihood when conservative and radical rectal surgeries for deep endometriosis were compared 7 years after surgery. The postoperative pregnancy rate observed in our series was high.

Postoperative Assessment of the Quality of Life in Patients with Colorectal Endometriosis.

Morbidity and mortality alone are not comprehensive measures of evaluating the benefits of surgical interventions in endometriosis patients, thus, subjective patient-reported instruments are required. The 36-tem Short Form Survey (SF-36) is a Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) instrument that has not been validated yet for women with endometriosis. The aims of this study are to evaluate the validity and reliability of the SF-36 in patients with colorectal endometriosis and to compare the HRQoL before and after surgery, using different Quality of Life (QoL) instruments: the Gastrointestinal QoL Index (GIQLI) and Knowles-Eccersley-Scott Symptom Questionnaire (KESS). We conducted a retrospective study using prospectively recorded data in the North-West Inter-Regional Female Cohort for Patients with Endometriosis (CIRENDO) database. The assessment was performed on four hundred and eighty-eight patients before and 12 months after the surgery. Preoperative and postoperative item-internal consistency and Cronbach's α proved evidence for good reliability showing that SF-36 is a useful instrument for endometriosis patients' QoL. The domains of Role (limitation) physical, Bodily pain and Role (limitation) emotional showed the most remarkable improvements (difference before vs. one year after surgery) with p < 0.001. Our data show that SF-36 has validity and reliability and can be used in patients with endometriosis. Surgery improved the QoL and digestive function.

Interposition of a biological mesh may not affect the rate of rectovaginal fistula after excision of large rectovaginal endometriotic nodules: a pilot study of 209 patients.

AIM: The aim of this work was to assess whether placement of a biological mesh (Permacol® ) between the vaginal and rectal sutures reduces the rate of rectovaginal fistula in patients with deep rectovaginal endometriosis. METHOD: We report a retrospective, comparative study enrolling patients with vaginal infiltration of more than 3 cm in diameter and rectal involvement in two centres. They benefited from complete excision of rectovaginal endometriotic nodules with or without a biological mesh placed between the vaginal and rectal sutures. The rate of rectovaginal fistula was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Two hundred and nine patients were enrolled: 42 patients underwent interposition of biological mesh (cases) and 167 did not (controls). Ninety-two per cent of cases and 86.2% of controls had rectal infiltration more than 3 cm in diameter. Cases underwent rectal disc excision more frequently (64.3% vs. 49.1%) and had a smaller distance between the rectal staple line and the anal verge (4.4 ± 1.4 cm vs. 6 ± 2.9 cm). Rectovaginal fistulas occurred in 4 cases (9.5%) and 12 controls (7.2%). Logistic regression analyses revealed no difference in the rate of rectovaginal fistula following the use of mesh (adjusted OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.3-9.5). A distance of less than 7 cm between the rectal staple line and the anal verge was found to be an independent risk factor for the development of rectovaginal fistula (adjusted OR 15.1, 95% CI 1.7-132). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the placement of a biological mesh between the vagina and rectal sutures may not affect the rate of formation of postoperative rectovaginal fistula following excision of deep infiltrating rectovaginal endometriosis.

Risk of Postoperative Stenosis after Segmental Resection versus Disk Excision for Deep Endometriosis Infiltrating the Rectosigmoid: A Retrospective Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence, risk factors, and management of bowel stenosis after surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis of the rectosigmoid using either disk excision (DE) or segmental resection (SR). DESIGN: Retrospective study using data from consecutive cases recorded in the North-West Inter Regional Female Cohort for Patients with Endometriosis database. SETTING: University tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Four hundred thirty-one consecutive patients managed for rectosigmoid endometriosis were enrolled in our study. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic SR or DE. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One hundred sixty-five patients underwent DE, and 266 patients underwent SR. Large nodules ≥3 cm in diameter were more frequent in the SR group (73.3% vs 66.1%), whereas nodules infiltrating the low rectum were 3 times more frequent in the DE group (35.9% vs 11.3%). The frequency of vaginal excision (67.9% vs 62%) and stoma (46.7% vs 44.4%) were comparable between the DE and SR groups. Twenty-three patients presented with postoperative colorectal stenosis after SR (8.6%) versus none after DE (p <.001). Treatment of colorectal stenosis involved dilatation in 20 (87%) cases and SR in 4 (17.4%) cases. For 1 patient, dilatation resulted in rectosigmoid injury requiring SR, followed by rectovaginal fistula. The logistic regression model identified a diverting stoma as the sole risk factor independently related to the risk of postoperative stenosis after SR. CONCLUSION: Bowel stenosis after surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis occurred in patients who underwent SR, most of them with a diverting stoma, whereas no cases of stenosis were reported in patients who underwent DE, with or without stoma.

Double Disk Excision of Large Deep Endometriosis Nodules Infiltrating the Low and Mid Rectum: A Pilot Study of 20 Cases.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To report the technique of double disk excision of deep endometriosis nodules infiltrating the mid or low rectum and surgical outcomes. DESIGN: A retrospective case series using data prospectively recorded in the North-West Inter Regional Female Cohort for Patients with Endometriosis database. SETTING: University tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Twenty women managed for large deep endometriosis nodules infiltrating the mid or low rectum. INTERVENTIONS: Double disk excision using transanal end-to-end anastomosis circular stapler. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Twenty women managed by double disk excision from May 2016 to September 2019 were included in the study. The mean time of intervention was 149 ± 74 minutes. The cumulated mean diameter of the excised rectal disks was 53.4 ± 19.1 mm, whereas in 85% of the women, it was ≥50 mm. The mean distance between the lowest margin of the disk and the anal verge was 66 mm. Vaginal infiltration was removed in 15 patients (75%), and in 6 patients (30%) it exceeded 30 mm in diameter. Owing to the presence of sigmoid colon nodules, 2 patients (10%) underwent concomitant segmental sigmoid resection of 4 cm and 6 cm in length, respectively. Transitory stoma was performed in 8 patients (40%) owing to concomitant vaginal excision >3 cm in size. After a follow-up varying from 3 months to 42 months, no digestive fistula was recorded. The rate of Clavien-Dindo 3 complications was 15%. CONCLUSION: Double disk excision is suitable for excising large deep endometriosis nodules infiltrating the mid or low rectum and is associated with a low severe complication rate with good functional outcomes in women. Further studies are required to assess the improvement of functional outcomes in deep endometriosis nodules infiltrating the mid or low rectum in comparison with colorectal resection.

Posterior rectal pouch after large full-thickness disc excision of deep endometriosis infiltrating the low/mid rectum and relationship with digestive functional outcome.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study is to describe MRI appearance of a posterior rectal pouch (PRP) for patients managed for low rectal endometriosis by large full-thickness disc excision and to assess its relationship with postoperative functional digestive symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single center retrospective study including patients managed by low/mid rectal disc excision using a semi-circular stapler (the Rouen technique) from June 2009 to October 2016. Intraoperative findings and data provided by standardized gastrointestinal self-questionnaires (GIQLI, KESS, Wexner and Bristol), before and 1 year after the surgery, were prospectively recorded. Postoperative pelvic MRI were reviewed and PRP was assessed in three planes and its volume was estimated on a 3D T2 weighted sequence. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included in the study. All patients had postoperative PRP while none of them presented with rectal stenosis. The mean (± SD) volume of the PRP was estimated at 66 ± 32 mL. The mean antero-posterior diameter was 56 mm ± 22 mm, mean height at 44 mm ± 15 mm and mean width at 46 mm ± 11 mm. No positive correlation between the volume of the PRP and the GIQLI questionnaire was found at one year after surgery (r = -0.24, 95%CI -0.51-0.69, p = 0.44). CONCLUSION: Large disc excision of low and mid rectum leads to a posterior rectal pouch, with no significant impact on postoperative functional digestive outcomes, but it is not followed by bowel stenosis.

Pregnancy outcomes in women with history of surgery for endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between history of surgery for endometriosis and adverse obstetrical outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective study using prospectively recorded data. SETTING: Referral center. PATIENT(S): Total of 569 women with history of surgery for endometriosis, postoperative conception, and pregnancy evolution over 22 weeks of gestation. INTERVENTIONS(S): Surgery for endometriosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Small for gestational age (SGA) status of the newborn, spontaneous preterm birth (PT, before 37 weeks' gestation), and placenta previa. RESULTS: Among 733 pregnancies included in the study, 566 deliveries were recorded (77.2%), of which 535 were singleton (72.9% of pregnancies) and 31 twins (4.2%). SGA was observed in 81 of 535 (15.1%) singleton pregnancies and in 9 of 31 (29%) twin pregnancies. PT occurred in 53 of 535 (9.9%) singleton pregnancies and in 19 of 31 (61.2%) twin pregnancies. The number of singleton and multiple pregnancies complicated by placenta previa were, respectively, 9 of 535 (1.7%) and 0 of 31. The independent factor found to relate to SGA was the absence of endometriomas; conception with the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) only tended toward statistical significance. Independent factors found to increase risk of PT were conception with the use of ART, body mass index >30 kg/m2, and surgery of deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum and the bladder. Independent factors associated with placenta previa were conception with the use of ART and history of stage III or IV endometriosis. CONCLUSION(S): The risk of SGA and PT is increased in women with a history of surgery for endometriosis, and a high rate of conception with the use of ART may jeopardize outcomes.

Relationship between Patient Age and Disease Features in a Prospective Cohort of 1560 Women Affected by Endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between age, location of the disease, and surgical procedures performed in patients undergoing surgical management of endometriosis. DESIGN: Retrospective study using data prospectively recorded in the North-West Inter Regional Female Cohort for Patients with Endometriosis database. SETTING: University tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Women who underwent surgical management of symptomatic endometriosis between April 2009 and April 2014. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were allocated to 6 groups according to their age at the time of surgery: ≤20, 21 to 25, 26 to 30, 31 to 35, 36 to 40 and >40 years. Patient characteristics, prior history, location of endometriotic lesions, stage of disease, intraoperative findings, and surgical procedures were retrieved from a prospectively recorded database. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patient characteristics, symptoms, location of endometriosis, and type of surgery performed were compared between groups. In total, 1560 procedures were performed. Of these, more than one-half were carried out in women between the age of 26 to 35 years and the majority were performed in women aged between 26 and 30 years. Only 2% of procedures were performed in women under the age of 20 years. The mean stage of the disease at the time of surgical diagnosis was stage II for women younger than 20 years, stage III for those in the age group of 21 to 25 years, and stage IV for those older than 26 years. The rate of diagnosis of deep colorectal nodules increased progressively from 20 to 26 years and remained stable thereafter. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm that endometriosis is a disease that probably progresses from adolescence until the adult period when symptoms (pain or infertility) become debilitating and require surgery. Our data suggest that policies relating to the prevention and early diagnosis of endometriosis should focus on women younger than 25 years.

Excision versus colorectal resection in deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum: 5-year follow-up of patients enrolled in a randomized controlled trial.

STUDY QUESTION: Is there a difference in functional outcomes and recurrence rate between conservative versus radical rectal surgery in patients with large deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum 5 years postoperatively? SUMMARY ANSWER: No evidence was found that long-term outcomes differed when nodule excision was compared to rectal resection for deeply invasive endometriosis involving the bowel. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Functional outcomes of nodule excision and rectal resection for deeply invasive endometriosis involving the bowel are comparable 2 years after surgery. Despite numerous previously reported case series enrolling patients managed for colorectal endometriosis, long-term data remain scarce in the literature. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: From March 2011 to August 2013, we performed a two-arm randomized trial, enrolling 60 patients with deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum up to 15 cm from the anus, measuring >20 mm in length, involving at least the muscular layer in depth, and up to 50% of rectal circumference. Among them, 55 women were enrolled at one tertial referral centre in endometriosis, using a randomization list drawn up separately for this centre. Institute review board approval was obtained to continue follow-up to 10 years postoperatively. One patient requested to stop the follow-up 2 years after surgery. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Patients underwent either nodule excision by shaving or disc excision, or segmental resection. Randomization was performed preoperatively using sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes, and patients were informed of randomization results. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients experiencing one of the following symptoms: constipation (1 stool/>5 consecutive days), frequent bowel movements (≥3 stools/day), anal incontinence, dysuria or bladder atony requiring self-catheterization 24 months postoperatively. Secondary endpoints were values taken from the Knowles-Eccersley-Scott-symptom questionnaire (KESS), the gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI), the Wexner scale, the urinary symptom profile (USP) and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF36). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Fifty-five patients were enrolled. Among the 27 patients in the excision arm, two were converted to segmental resection (7.4%). One patient managed by segmental resection withdrew from the study 2 years postoperatively, presuming that associated pain of other aetiologies may have jeopardized the outcomes. The 5 year-recurrence rate for excision and resection was 3.7% versus 0% (P = 1), respectively. For excision and resection, the primary endpoint was present in 44.4% versus 60.7% of patients (P = 0.29), respectively, while 55.6% versus 53.6% of patients subjectively reported normal bowel movements (P = 1). An intention-to-treat comparison of overall KESS, GIQLI, Wexner, USP and SF36 scores did not reveal significant differences between the two arms 5 years postoperatively. Statistically significant improvement was observed shortly after surgery with no further improvement or impairment recorded 1-5 years postoperatively. During the 5-year follow-up, additional surgical procedures were performed in 25.9% versus 28.6% of patients who had undergone excision or resection (P = 0.80), respectively. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The presumption of a 40% difference concerning postoperative functional outcomes in favour of nodule excision resulted in a lack of power for demonstration of the primary endpoint difference. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Five-year follow-up data do not show statistically significant differences between conservative and radical rectal surgery for long-term functional digestive and urinary outcomes in this specific population of women with large involvement of the rectum. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): No specific funding was received. Patient enrolment and follow-up until 2 years postoperatively was supported by a grant from the clinical research programme for hospitals in France. The authors declare no competing interests related to this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This randomized study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01291576. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE: 31 January 2011. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT'S ENROLMENT: 7 March 2011.

Progression of deep infiltrating rectosigmoid endometriotic nodules.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the risk of progression of deep endometriotic nodules infiltrating the rectosigmoid? SUMMARY ANSWER: There is a risk of progression of deep endometriotic nodules infiltrating the rectosigmoid, particularly in menstruating women. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Currently, there is a lack of acceptance in the literature on the probability that deeply infiltrating rectosigmoid endometriotic nodules progress in size. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: We conducted a monocentric case-control study between September 2016 and March 2018 at Rouen University Hospital. We enrolled 43 patients who were referred to our tertiary referral centre with deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectosigmoid, who had undergone two MRI examinations at least 12 months apart and had not undergone surgical treatment of rectosigmoid endometriosis during this interval. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: MRI images were reinterpreted by a senior radiologist with experience and expertise in endometriosis, who measured the length and thickness of deep infiltrating colorectal lesions. Intra- and inter-observer reliability were tested on 30 randomly selected cases. We defined 'progression' of a nodule as an increase of ≥20% in length or in thickness and 'regression' of a lesion as a decrease of ≥20% in length or in thickness between two MRIs. Any nodule for which the variation in length and thickness was <20% was considered as 'stable'. Patients were divided into three groups based on evidence of progression, regression or stability of deep endometriotic nodules between their two MRI examinations. The total length of any period of amenorrhoea between the two MRI examinations, due to pregnancy, breastfeeding or hormonal treatment, was recorded. The total proportion of the time between MRIs where amenorrhoea occurred was compared between groups. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Eighty-six patients underwent at least two MRIs for deep endometriosis infiltrating the sigmoid or rectum between September 2016 and March 2018. Of these, we excluded 10 patients with an interval of <12 months between MRIs, 10 patients who underwent surgery between MRIs, 17 patients for whom at least 1 MRI was considered to be of poor quality and 6 patients for whom no deep colorectal lesion was found on repeat review of either MRI. This resulted in a total of 43 patients eligible for enrolment in the final analysis. Mean time (SD) between MRIs was 38.3 (22.1) months. About 60.5% of patients demonstrated stability of their colorectal lesions between the two MRIs, 27.9% of patients met the criteria for 'progression' of lesions and 11.6% met the criteria for 'regression' of lesions. There was no significant difference in time interval between MRIs for the three groups (P = 0.76). Median duration of amenorrhoea was significantly lower in women with progression of lesions (7.5 months) when compared to those with stability of lesions (8.5 months) or regression of lesions (21 months) (P < 0.001). Median duration of amenorrhoea (expressed as percentage of total time between two MRIs) was also found to be significantly lower in the group demonstrating progression (15.1%) when compared to the group demonstrating stability (19.2%) and the group demonstrating regression (94.1%; P = 0.006). Progression of rectosigmoid nodules was observed in 34% of patients without continuous amenorrhoea, in 39% who had never had amenorrhoea and in no patients with continuous amenorrhoea. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Due to a lack of universally accepted criteria for defining the progression or regression of deep endometriotic nodules on MRI, the values used in our study may be disputed. Due to the retrospective design of the study, there may be heterogeneity of interval between MRIs, MRI techniques used, reason for amenorrhoea and duration of amenorrhoea. The mean inter-MRI interval was of short duration and varied between patients. Our findings are reported for only deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectosigmoid and cannot be extrapolated, without caution, to nodules of other locations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Patients with deeply infiltrating rectosigmoid endometriotic nodules, for which surgical management has not been performed, should undergo surveillance to allow detection of growth of nodules, particularly when continuous amenorrhoea has not been achieved. This recommendation is of importance to young patients with rectosigmoid nodules who wish to conceive, in whom first line ART is planned. There is a very low risk of progression of deep endometriotic nodules infiltrating the rectosigmoid in women with amenorrhoea induced by medical therapy, lactation or pregnancy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): No funding was received for this study. The authors declare no competing interests related to this study.

Abdominal wall endometriosis following cesarean section: a study of the growth rate of parietal endometriosis implants.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to estimate the growth rate of abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) following cesarean section (CS), in order to potentially identify a growth model of endometriosis in vivo. METHODS: This monocentric, retrospective study included 23 patients presenting 26 nodules of post-CS AWE treated by surgical excision. Nodule surface and volume, time-lapse between surgery and AWE as well as the contraception used were noted. A comparison between nodules' features was performed depending on hormonal vs. non-hormonal contraception. RESULTS: The time-lapse between CS and AWE surgery had a mean value of 48 months. The mean surface of an AWE nodule was of 3.83 cm2, and the mean volume was of 5.32 cm3. Comparison between the main surface and volume in patients receiving hormonal vs. non-hormonal contraception was statistically non-significant. No statistically significant correlation between AWE dimension and time was revealed. In patients presenting more than one lesion, nodules appeared to grow following variable patterns. CONCLUSIONS: AWE natural history was characterized by inter- and intra-individual variability, independently of the method of contraception used.

Bowel occult microscopic endometriosis in resection margins in deep colorectal endometriosis specimens has no impact on short-term postoperative outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of bowel occult microscopic endometriosis (BOME) implants on postoperative outcomes in patients treated with colorectal resection for deep infiltrating digestive endometriosis. DESIGN: Prospective series of consecutive patients with deep colorectal endometriosis managed by colorectal resection in our department from June 2009 to November 2014 and enrolled in the CIRENDO database (NCT02294825). SETTING: University tertiary referral center. PATIENT(S): One hundred three patients managed by colorectal resection for deep infiltrating endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S): Histologic examination of colorectal resection specimens. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Patient characteristics, preoperative and 1-year postoperative symptoms and intraoperative findings were compared between women with and without BOME on specimen resection margins. RESULT(S): In 15 cases, BOME was found in one (nine cases) or both resection limits (six cases). No statistical significance was found between BOME and height of colorectal anastomosis, length of the resected bowel specimen or depth of rectal wall infiltration. One patient with BOME underwent a second colorectal resection 5 years later for rectal recurrence. Comparison between the rates of dyschezia, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and overall values of GIQLI and KESS scores 1 and 3 years postoperatively showed no statistical significance between women with and without BOME. CONCLUSION(S): BOME was found in 14.6% of specimen resection margins. No impact on either pelvic or digestive symptoms was observed after 1-year follow-up postoperatively. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02294825.