Radical Endometriosis Surgery: A Review of Surgical Techniques and Associated Challenges

Abstract

Abstract

Endometriosis is a debilitating disease and a significant health problem for women of reproductive age. Extirpative surgery of endometriosis involves cytoreduction of visible endometriosis. Although surgical management is an important treatment option for patients with endometriosis, the complexity of the surgery confers multiple challenges to even the most experienced surgeons. A high level of training and surgical experience, as well as an excellent knowledge of pelvic anatomy, is paramount in order to maximize benefits of the procedure and minimize surgical complications for patients. This article reviews the surgical challenges associated with extirpative surgery of endometriosis and briefly discusses surgical management of bowel and urinary-tract involvement. This review is based on a search of Medline,^® PubMed, and citation lists of relevant publications. Subject heading and key words used included deep infiltrating endometriosis, radical endometriosis surgery, ureteral endometriosis, and bowel endometriosis. (J GYNECOL SURG 38:7)