title: The role of laparoscopy in the treatment of endometriosis.
abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of laparoscopy not only in the diagnosis but also in the therapy of pelvic endometriosis. Ninety-four patients underwent laparoscopy between May 1991 and May 1993. The patients were divided into 2 groups, according to the indication for laparoscopy: group I (benign ovarian cysts n = 47); group II (chronic pelvic pain, n = 47). All laparoscopies were performed by 2 surgeons only. When present, endometriosis was scored according to the American Fertility Society revised classification 1985 (AFS 1985). Endometriosis was present in 37 (39.4%) of the 94 patients included in the study: 19 out of 47 (40.4%) in group I, 18 out of 47 (38.3%) in group II. In 29 patients with endometriosis (78.3%), the score was reduced surgically during the diagnostic procedure. In 24 cases (82.8%) by laparoscopy and in 5 cases (17.2%) only, by laparotomy. Therefore, the careful selection of cases, the use of appropriate instruments and the experience in endoscopic surgery, combined with a good knowledge of pelvic anatomy, may allow the treatment of endometriosis immediately after diagnosis by laparoscopy, resulting in shorter hospitalization, less physical trauma, and a lower number of post-operative adhesions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mais
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ajossa
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guerriero
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Paoletti
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Palmas
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mascia
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Melis
mesh_terms: D004715:Endometriosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D010048:Ovarian Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*