Feasibility and clinical value of virtual reality for deep infiltrating pelvic endometriosis: A case report.

Deep infiltrating pelvic endometriosis and its surgical management is associated with a risk of major postoperative complications. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is recommended preoperatively in order to obtain the most precise mapping of the extent of endometriotic lesions. The aim of this work was to assess the feasibility and clinical interest of 3D modeling by surface rendering as a preoperative planning tool in a patient with deep infiltrating pelvic endometriosis. We report on a 42 years old patient with history of endometriosis and persistent pain underwent pre operative imaging with MRI that was consistent with deep infiltrating endometriosis. A 3D model of the deep infiltrating endometriosis was generated from the MRI and retrospectively compared to the intra-operative findings. The nodule's location and relationship to the uterus and the rectum was clearly defined by the 3D model and correlated with surgical findings. Virtual reality based on 3D models could be an interesting tool to assist in the preoperative planning of complex surgeries.

Impact of surgery for colorectal endometriosis on postoperative fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Deep infiltrative endometriosis can lead to infertility with a spontaneous pregnancy rate between 8.7 and 13%. Surgical treatment of bowel endometriosis may improve spontaneous and ART fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate post-operative fertility according to the surgical technic used (shaving vs. bowel resection). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective, monocentric study was carried-out in the University Hospital of Strasbourg, France, from September 2009 to October 2016. All patients with a desire to become pregnant and treated for colorectal deep infiltrating endometriosis were included. Two groups were analyzed and compared: shaving treatment vs. digestive resection (discoid or segmental). The primary outcome was pregnancy rate after surgery. Secondary outcomes were: mode of pregnancy occurrence (spontaneous versus ART), time of onset, term at birth, occurrence of complications during pregnancy. RESULTS: 94 patients were included (39 had a bowel resection and 55 a shaving). Both groups had similar pre-operative characteristics. The pregnancy rate was 52,1% for the total population with no significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.68). However, we found a significantly higher spontaneous pregnancies rate among the resection group with 73.7% (p = 0,0086). Pregnancy complications occurred in 50% of pregnancies, regardless of the surgical technic used. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that, for patients with colorectal DIE, surgical treatment improves overall fertility. Furthermore, resection surgery seems to significantly improve the occurrence of spontaneous pregnancies. However, this surgery is not without risks and multidisciplinary discussions and thorough information to the patient are a prerequisite.