A proposal of an updated classification for pelvic relapses of rectal cancer to guide surgical decision-making.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Selection of patients affected by pelvic recurrence of rectal cancer (PRRC) who are likely to achieve a R0 resection is mandatory. The aim of this study was to propose a classification for PRRC to predict both radical surgery and disease-free survival (DFS). METHODS: PRRC patients treated at the National Cancer Institute of Milan (Italy) were included in the study. PRRC were classified as S1, if located centrally (S1a-S1b) or anteriorly (S1c) within the pelvis; S2, in case of sacral involvement below (S2a) or above (S2b) the second sacral vertebra; S3, in case of lateral pelvic involvement. RESULTS: Of 280 reviewed PRRC patients, 152 (54.3%) were evaluated for curative surgery. The strongest predictor of R+ resection was the S3 category (OR, 6.37; P = .011). Abdominosacral resection (P = .012), anterior exenteration (P = .012) and extended rectal re-excision (P = .003) were predictive of R0 resection. S3 category was highly predictive of poor DFS (HR 2.53; P = .038). DFS was significantly improved after R0 surgery for S1 (P < .0001) and S2 (P = .015) patients but not for S3 cases (P = .525). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed classification allows selection of subjects candidates to curative surgery, emphasizing that lateral pelvic involvement is the main predictor of R+ resection and independently affects the DFS.

A convolutional neural network-based system to classify patients using FDG PET/CT examinations.

BACKGROUND: As the number of PET/CT scanners increases and FDG PET/CT becomes a common imaging modality for oncology, the demands for automated detection systems on artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent human oversight and misdiagnosis are rapidly growing. We aimed to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based system that can classify whole-body FDG PET as 1) benign, 2) malignant or 3) equivocal. METHODS: This retrospective study investigated 3485 sequential patients with malignant or suspected malignant disease, who underwent whole-body FDG PET/CT at our institute. All the cases were classified into the 3 categories by a nuclear medicine physician. A residual network (ResNet)-based CNN architecture was built for classifying patients into the 3 categories. In addition, we performed a region-based analysis of CNN (head-and-neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvic region). RESULTS: There were 1280 (37%), 1450 (42%), and 755 (22%) patients classified as benign, malignant and equivocal, respectively. In the patient-based analysis, CNN predicted benign, malignant and equivocal images with 99.4, 99.4, and 87.5% accuracy, respectively. In region-based analysis, the prediction was correct with the probability of 97.3% (head-and-neck), 96.6% (chest), 92.8% (abdomen) and 99.6% (pelvic region), respectively. CONCLUSION: The CNN-based system reliably classified FDG PET images into 3 categories, indicating that it could be helpful for physicians as a double-checking system to prevent oversight and misdiagnosis.

Does a retrorectal tumour remain a challenge for surgeons?

Background: Retrorectal tumours are lesions with a wide range of histological differentiation that are often diagnostic and clinical challenges due to their rare occurrence. Many cases of this pathology are treated in regional hospitals, which results in serious complications because physicians fail to recognize this pathology. We present our experience in treating these tumours. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was performed using the Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics patient database. Thirty-five cases were identified. Results: Occurrence of retrorectal tumours was higher in women than in men and accounted for 82.86% and 17.14%, respectively. Computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were the main methods used to confirm diagnosis and plan surgical treatment. We have used a laparotomy, perineal or combined approach for tumour extirpation. The laparotomy approach was the most used, followed by perineal extirpation. The most common histological type was cystic hamartoma, accounting for 20% of cases. In 80% of cases, the histological findings greatly varied. Hospital stays varied from 3 to 21 days with a mean of 11.6 ± 5.83 days. The postoperative complication rate was 17.14% and was present in six cases. Overall survival was 85.17%, with an average follow-up period of 71.83 months. There were no recurrent tumours diagnosed during follow-up. Conclusion: Retrorectal tumours are a very rare pathology with high histological heterogeneity and problematic diagnostics. Patients should be referred to a tertiary centre that has experience and diagnostic capabilities for the best diagnostic and treatment options.

[Mini-invasive interventions under magnetic resonance guidance in the clarifying diagnosis of small pelvic tumors].

OBJECTIVE: To perfect and estimate the possibilities of using a mini-invasive diagnostic procedure under magnetic resonance (MR) guidance in the complex anatomic situations in cases of pathological small pelvic changes of unknown origin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten small pelvic interventions were made under MR guidance. The indications for bone biopsy under MR guidance were poor visualization of bone changes or their absence during radiography, including computed tomography. Small pelvic organ and soft tissue biopsies were carried out in the situations of complex location of pathological changes adjacent to critical organs, large vascular and neural structures. All interventions were done using a high-field MR scanner. Freehand biopsy was performed in a stepwise fashion under axial and sagittal T2-weighted image control. RESULTS: Informative histological material was obtained in 100% of cases. No complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: It became possible to verify the diagnosis based on morphological findings and to timely determine management tactics only by target biopsy under MR guidance in these 10 patients with small pelvic changes of unknown origin.

Extragonadal teratomas of the adult abdomen and pelvis: a pictorial review.

Teratomas comprise a spectrum of tumours that have striking imaging appearances and are commonly considered when evaluating a mass in the female pelvis. A subgroup of these tumours located in an extragonadal abdominopelvic location, in contrast, are extremely rare and can affect both sexes. Extragonadal teratomas can occur at all ages, are particularly unusual in adults and can cause confusion in the differential diagnosis, especially in children. Familiarity with the imaging features of the spectrum of teratomas within the abdominal cavity is therefore of great importance, as radiological diagnosis can guide treatment, prevent delays in diagnosis and avoid sequelae. This article summarizes the radiological appearances of these rare extragonadal tumours in adults in relation to their pathology, malignant potential, location and behaviour. Although uncommon, teratomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of extragonadal abdominal masses, particularly in young adults.

Manejo de los tumores retrorrectales del adulto / Management of the retrorectal tumors of the adult

Antecedentes: Los tumores que asientan en el espacio virtual entre el mesorrecto y el sacrocoxis comprenden un grupo heterogéneo y poco frecuente cuya incidencia se estima en 1/40.000 ingresos. Se clasifican en congénitos, neurogénicos, óseos y misceláneas. Por ser asintomáticos u ocasionar síntomas inespecíficos su diagnóstico suele ser tardío y muchas veces cuando han alcanzado un gran tamaño o comprometido las estructuras vecinas. El diagnóstico y tratamiento, que requiere un equipo multidisciplinario, han evolucionado en los últimos años por el aporte de la resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN), las nuevas terapias quimiorradiantes y un abordaje quirúrgico más agresivo. Objetivo: Comunicar nuestra experiencia y sugerir la estrategia de manejo de estos tumores basada en esta serie y la de los centros internacionales de referencia. Pacientes y Métodos: Se revisaron retrospectivamente las historias clínicas de los pacientes con tumores retrorrectales operados entre 1991 y 2006 en la División Cirugía del Hospital Juan A. Fernández. Se excluyeron procesos inflamatorios, tumores rectales localmente avanzados y metastásicos. Se registraron sexo, edad, síntomas/signos, tiempo de evolución, estudios preoperatorios, tamaño tumoral, compromiso sacro y/o de órganos vecinos, tratamiento quirúrgico, morbimortalidad inmediata, estadía postoperatoria, secuelas, histopatología, recurrencia y supervivencia. Además se evaluó la utilidad de la tomografía axial computada (Te) y la RMN para establecer la estirpe tumoral, la posible malignidad, la invasión de estructuras vecinas y la vía de abordaje. Resultados: Hubo 7 pacientes (5 mujeres), edad promedio 37,5 (23-54) años. Congénitos: 2 (cordoma 1, hamartoma quístico 1), neurogénicos: 2 (neurofibroma plexiforme 1, schwanoma maligno 1), óseos: 1 (tumor de células gigantes del sacro) y misceláneas: 2 (liposarcoma 1, fibroma extrapleural maligno 1)...

Background: Tumors occupying the virtual space between the mesorectum and sacro-coccyx are heterogeneous and infrequent, with an estimated incidence of 1/40.000 hospitalizations. They are classified as congenital, neurogenic, osseous, and miscellaneous. Because they are asymptomatic or cause non-specific symptoms diagnosis is usually delayed, and very often done when have reached a great dimension or involved adjacent structures. Diagnosis and treatment, that required a multidisciplinary team, has evolved in recent years due to the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), new chemo-radiation therapies and a more aggressive surgical approach. Objective: Report on our experience, and suggest the management strategy for these tumors based on this series and that of international referral centers. Patients and Methods: Clinical records of patients with retrorectal tumors operated on, between 1991 and 2006 in the Division of Surgery of the Hospital Juan A. Fernández were retrospectively reviewed. Inflammatory processes, locally advanced rectal tumors and metastatic lesions were excluded. Registe red data included gender, age, symptom/signs, time of evolution, preoperative studies, size of tumors, involvement of sacrum and/or adjacent viscera, surgical treatment, 30-day morbidity and mortality, postoperative hospital stay, secuela, histopathology, recurrence and survival. Besides, the usefulness of computed tomography (CT) and MRI to establish the histologic tumor type, possible malignancy, invasion of adjacent structures, and operative approach was assessed. Results: Seven patients (5 women), mean age 37.5 (23-54) years, were treated. Congenital: 2 (chordoma 1, tailgut cyst 1), neurogenic: 2 (plexiform neurotibroma 1, malignant schwannoma 1), osseous: 1 (gigant cell tumor of the sacrum) and miscellaneous: 2 (liposarcoma 1, extrapleural malignant fibroma 1)...

Tubal and ovarian pathways to pelvic epithelial cancer: a pathological perspective.

Prolongation of ovarian epithelial cancer survival depends on early detection or improved responses to chemotherapy. Gains in either have been modest at best. Understanding the diverse pathogenesis of this disease is critical to early intervention or prevention. This review addresses six important variables, including (i) cell of origin, (ii) site of origin, (iii) initial genotoxic events, (iv) risks imposed by hereditary and other promoting conditions, (v) subsequent factors that promote different patterns of metastatic spread, and (vi) prospects for intervention. This review proposes two distinct pathways to pelvic epithelial cancer. The first initiates in ovarian surface epithelium (OSE), Mullerian inclusions or endometriosis in the ovary. The second arises from the endosalpinx and encompasses a subset of serous carcinomas. The serous carcinogenic sequence in the distal fallopian tube is described and contrasted with lower grade serous tumors based on tumour location, earliest genetic change and ability (or lack of) to undergo terminal (ciliated) differentiation. Ultimately, a clear understanding of tumour origin and the mechanism(s) leading to the earliest phases of the serous and endometrioid carcinogenic sequences may hold the greatest promise for designing prevention strategies and/or developing new therapies.

Which extrauterine pelvic masses are difficult to correctly classify as benign or malignant on the basis of ultrasound findings and is there a way of making a correct diagnosis?

OBJECTIVES: To determine which extrauterine pelvic masses are difficult to correctly classify as benign or malignant on the basis of ultrasound findings, and to determine if the use of logistic regression models for calculation of individual risk of malignancy would improve the diagnostic accuracy in difficult tumors. METHODS: In a prospective, international, European multicenter study involving nine centers, 1066 women with a pelvic mass judged to be of extrauterine origin underwent transvaginal ultrasound examination by an experienced ultrasound examiner before surgery. A standardized examination technique and predefined definitions of ultrasound characteristics were used. On the basis of subjective evaluation of ultrasound findings, the examiner classified each mass as being certainly benign, probably benign, unclassifiable, probably malignant or certainly malignant. Even when the examiner found the mass unclassifiable (i.e. difficult mass) he or she was obliged to state whether the mass was more likely to be benign or malignant. Borderline tumors were classified as malignant. RESULTS: There were 90 (8%) unclassifiable masses. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed papillary projections, >10 locules in a cyst without solid components, low-level echogenicity of cyst fluid, and moderate vascularization as assessed subjectively at color Doppler examination to be ultrasound variables independently associated with unclassifiable mass. Borderline malignant tumors (n = 55) proved to be most difficult to assess with only 47% being correctly classified (i.e. classified as malignant), 29% being incorrectly classified (i.e. classified as benign) and 24% being unclassifiable vs. 90% of non-borderline tumors being correctly classified, 3% being incorrectly classified and 8% being unclassifiable (P < 0.0001). Papillary cystadeno(fibro)mas, myomas and cases of struma ovarii were also more common among the unclassifiable masses than among the classifiable ones (5.6% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.008; 4.4% vs. 0.9%, P = 0.02; 4.4% vs. 0.2%, P = 0.0006). No ultrasound variable or clinical variable (including CA 125) entered a logistic regression model to predict malignancy in difficult masses. A model could be constructed for difficult masses containing papillary projections but this model performed no better than subjective evaluation of the ultrasound image. Sensitivity and specificity of subjective evaluation with regard to malignancy in the group of unclassifiable masses were 56% (14/25) and 77% (50/65) vs. 91% (220/241) and 97% (712/735) in the classifiable masses. CONCLUSIONS: Borderline tumors cause great diagnostic difficulties, but so do papillary cystadeno(fibro)mas, struma ovarii and some myomas. Logistic regression models do not solve the diagnostic problem in difficult pelvic masses.

Tumors of the retrorectal space.

PURPOSE: Retrorectal tumors are a diverse group of masses derived from a variety of embryologic origins. Because of this, some confusion is associated with their diagnosis and management. Although rare, a basic understanding of the etiology, presentation, work-up, and treatment of retrorectal masses is essential. METHODS: The incidence, classification, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of these masses are presented. A comprehensive review of the literature is included in our analysis. RESULTS: Retrorectal lesions can be classified as congenital, inflammatory, neurogenic, osseous, or miscellaneous. Benign and malignant lesions behave similarly. The most common presentation is an asymptomatic mass discovered on routine rectal examination, but certain nonspecific symptoms can be elicited by careful history. Biopsy of these lesions should be avoided to prevent tumor seeding, fecal fistula, meningitis, and abscess formation. Complete surgical resection, usually after appropriate specialized imaging, remains the cornerstone of their treatment. Three approaches commonly used for resection are abdominal, transsacral, or a combined abdominosacral approach. Prognosis is directly related primarily to local control, which often is difficult to achieve for malignant lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Retrorectal masses present a challenging surgical problem from diagnosis to treatment. A high index of suspicion and resultant early diagnosis, followed by thorough preoperative planning, is required for optimal management and outcome.

Combinación de 2 técnicas de transposición ovárica laparoscópica previa al tratamiento radioterápico de neoplasias pélvicas / Combination of 2 techniques of laparoscopic ovarian transposition prior to radiotherapy for pelvic neoplasms

El tratamiento con radioterapia de masas pélvicas en mujeres jóvenes causa una alta incidencia de fallos ováricos precoces. Para evitarlo, existe la opción de transponer los ovarios fuera del campo de radiación. Exponemos el caso de 2 mujeres tratadas de un sarcoma de Ewing y de una recidiva de enfermedad de Hodgkin, respectivamente, que se sometieron a una transposición ovárica laparoscópica bilateral a las correderas cólicas, el ovario izquierdo a un nivel algo inferior para mantenerlo unido a su trompa. Esta técnica permite preservar la función ovárica a la vez que mantiene la posibilidad de futuros embarazos espontáneos (AU)

Presacral tumors: a practical classification and treatment of a unique and heterogeneous group of diseases.

BACKGROUND: Presacral tumors are a rare and diverse group of diseases that originate from the different tissues that comprise the potential presacral space. Because of their relative rarity, confusion exists regarding their clinical presentation, natural history, and treatment. The aim of this study is to describe a single institution's experience with the management of presacral tumors and to suggest a practical method of classification. METHODS: Records of all patients who underwent operation for presacral tumors from the years 1991 to 2001 were reviewed. Clinical, pathologic, treatment, and outcome variables were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were included in the study and were divided into 4 groups according to lesion pathology: benign congenital (n = 12), malignant congenital (n = 9), benign acquired (n = 9), and malignant acquired (n = 12). Symptoms were nonspecific, and 26% of the cases were completely asymptomatic. Diagnosis was made with rectal examination and confirmed with pelvic computerized tomographic scan. Surgical approach varied among the different groups, with the posterior approach used mainly for congenital tumors and the anterior approach for acquired. Complete surgical resection of the tumor was obtained in all cases of benign tumors and in 76% of malignant tumors. No postoperative mortality was seen, and complications occurred in 36% (15/42); most were reversible. None of the patients with benign tumors had recurrences, and all are alive at this time. The survival rate of patients with malignant tumors was significantly improved when complete resection was possible. CONCLUSION: Classification of presacral tumors into congenital versus acquired and benign versus malignant is simple and efficient. Treatment is complete surgical resection, which can be performed safely with low morbidity and no mortality.

The management of presacral masses in the adult.

Presacral (retrorectal) tumors are particularly rare in the adult. There is difficulty in the performance of diagnostic biopsy, and specialized imaging is required to plan surgical extirpation. This review assesses their incidence and classification as well as the principles involved in their diagnosis and surgical management.

MRI of the female and male pelvis: current and future applications of contrast enhancement.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis has proven to be a most valuable diagnostic tool to examine pathologies of various organ systems in the pelvis. For most conditions MRI was found to be superior to other imaging modalities, like ultrasound and computed tomography. Controversy still exists on the value of intraluminal and intravenous contrast enhancement. This article gives an overview on currently available intraluminal and intravenous contrast agents. The techniques and results for contrast-enhanced MRI in the female and male pelvis are discussed based on a review of the literature. New developments and upcoming techniques, such as lymph node specific contrast agents and breathhold volumetric MRI, are described and initial results are presented.

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma: clinicopathologic case report with review of the literature.

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma is a rare, benign-appearing soft tissue neoplasm with an aggressive clinical course characterized by multiple local recurrences over several years, with ultimate spread to lung and occasionally to bone. Thus far, a total of 24 cases of low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma have been reported in the literature. The authors present an additional case that grossly and microscopically emphasizes a pronounced lobular pattern of contrasting areas of cellularity showing high proliferative activity, as demonstrated by a proliferation marker, Ki 67 with MIB-1, and hypocellular areas with prominent myxoid component and abundant collagen fibrils. There was predominance of delicate capillary-sized stromal vessels with collagenized walls in both cellular and myxoid areas. The unusual features in this case were osseous metaplasia, prominent intranuclear pseudoinclusions, DNA tetraploidy, and membrane-bound intracytoplasmic fat vacuoles. The immunoprofile and cytologic and ultrastructural features are described. After the excision of the tumor, the patient was treated with radiotherapy without chemotherapy. The patient has been observed for 26 months and is alive without the evidence of disease. The postoperative follow-up with axial computed tomography at 24 months showed no evidence of disease, except postsurgical fibrotic changes.

Masas abdominopelvianas gigantes: diagnóstico diferencial por tomografía axial computada / Giant abdominopelvian masses: differential diagnosis by CT

Entre el 1 de enero de 1992 y el 31 de diciembre de 1993, se realizaron 4.586 tomografías abdóminopelvianas, de las cuales 142 (3,1 por ciento) presentaron masas gigantes (mayores de 10 cm). Las masas gigantes se presentaron con mayor frecuencia entre la sexta y séptima década de la vida. Del total de pacientes, 81 fueron de sexo femenino (57,04 por ciento) y 61 de sexo masculino (42,96 por ciento). Los signos y síntomas que acompañaron a cada paciente fueron muy variados como así también la localización de dichas masas. La TC tuvo una sensibilidad del 100 por ciento para confirmar y diagnosticar la presencia de masas gigantes. El análisis semiológico de estas masas por TC, nos ha permitido determinar el órgano comprometido en un 97,88 por ciento; caracterizar el contenido y arquitectura del tumor en el 100 por ciento de los casos y evocar la naturaleza de las lesiones, refiriéndose al carácter benigno y maligno de las mismas en el 92,25 por ciento (AU)

Masas abdominopelvianas gigantes: diagnóstico diferencial por tomografía axial computada / Giant abdominopelvian masses: differential diagnosis by CT

Entre el 1 de enero de 1992 y el 31 de diciembre de 1993, se realizaron 4.586 tomografías abdóminopelvianas, de las cuales 142 (3,1 por ciento) presentaron masas gigantes (mayores de 10 cm). Las masas gigantes se presentaron con mayor frecuencia entre la sexta y séptima década de la vida. Del total de pacientes, 81 fueron de sexo femenino (57,04 por ciento) y 61 de sexo masculino (42,96 por ciento). Los signos y síntomas que acompañaron a cada paciente fueron muy variados como así también la localización de dichas masas. La TC tuvo una sensibilidad del 100 por ciento para confirmar y diagnosticar la presencia de masas gigantes. El análisis semiológico de estas masas por TC, nos ha permitido determinar el órgano comprometido en un 97,88 por ciento; caracterizar el contenido y arquitectura del tumor en el 100 por ciento de los casos y evocar la naturaleza de las lesiones, refiriéndose al carácter benigno y maligno de las mismas en el 92,25 por ciento

Endometrioma: analysis and sonographic classification of 51 documented cases.

We analyzed 51 proven cases of endometrioma and characterized the sonographic patterns as purely cystic, cystic with few septations or minimal debris, complex combinations of cystic and solid elements, and largely solid. In this series, 30% were purely cystic, 62% showed various degrees of complexity with septation or debris, and 8% appeared essentially solid. The broad spectrum of patterns is in keeping with the evolutionary process of endometriomas, which follow essentially the same transitions from homogeneous gelatinous (cystic) through partially resolved (liquified) complex and ultimately returning to nearly purely cystic, as do hematomas. The average diameter of endometriotic masses was 6.1 cm (range, 2.0 to 20.0 cm), and the average age of the patients at diagnosis was 31.3 years (range, 15 to 45 years). The diversity of sonographic appearance, the span of essentially all the child-bearing years, and the presence of endometriomas without a history of infertility or dysmenorrhea (and even after hysterectomy) keep this entity a constant differential diagnostic consideration in sonographically identified pelvic masses. We believe this to be the largest documented series of sonographically identified endometriomas in the literature.

Treatment of endometriosis with leuprorelin acetate depot: a German multicentre study.

During the past decade, the development of various gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists, which induce reversible hypo-oestrogenism has opened a new area in the medical management of endometriosis. In an open, multicentre phase III study, the efficacy, tolerance and safety of the Gn-RH agonist leuprorelin acetate were tested. The preliminary results of 104 women treated in seven German centres are presented. Pelvic endometriosis was diagnosed by laparoscopy and classified according to the American Fertility Society scoring system: 33% of patients had minimal, 22% mild, 28% moderate and 8% severe endometriosis and in 9% no pathological results were obtained. The patients' mean age was 30 +/- 6 years and 66 had infertility problems. Treatment was started within the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle and consisted of a subcutaneous injection of leuprorelin acetate 3.75 mg, repeated once monthly over 24 weeks. A follow-up period of 12 months after the last injection has been completed in 70 patients, including a second laparoscopy. At all visits, symptoms were evaluated, physical examinations performed, and blood samples collected for haematological screening, serum chemistry determinations and measurement of the gonadotrophins oestradiol and progesterone and leuprorelin acetate. The median score at laparoscopy fell from 12 before operation to 8 after operation and 2 after treatment with leuprorelin acetate. Of the total number of patients, 89% had improvements in their endometriosis, 8% a deterioration and 3% no change. Patients reported improvement in the following: dysmenorrhoea 93%, dyspareunia 62% and pelvic pain 70%. However, all women complained of at least one of the following symptoms: hot flushes 86%, sleep disturbance 62%, sweating 61%, headache 41%, nausea 32% and depression 20%. Fifty-five percent of patients reported additional side effects such as vaginal dryness, fatigue and lower abdominal pain. After the third injection, amenorrhoea persisted in 94% of the women. Four weeks after the first leuprorelin acetate injection median concentrations of oestradiol fell from 45 pg/ml to 11 pg/ml, follicle-stimulating hormone from 7 U/L to 3 U/L and luteinising hormone from 5 U/L to 1 U/L and remained almost unchanged over the observation period. During the 6 months' treatment, laboratory parameters showed no significant deviations from normal; only total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase increased. Treatment results were judged as good and satisfactory in 82% and 11% of cases, respectively. On the basis of this study, it can be concluded that leuprorelin acetate treatment is safe, well tolerated and effective in the medical management of endometriosis and endometriosis-related complaints.