Laser laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of ovarian endometriomas.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of laser laparoscopic photocoagulation of endometriomas (2-18 cm) in patients with pain, infertility, or a combination of the two.


METHODS
Retrospective review of all patients with endometriomas from June 1, 1983, to December 31, 1993.


METHODS
Department of gynecology and obstetrics at a district general hospital and national training center in minimal access surgery.


METHODS
One hundred sixty-five women with large endometriomas present at the time of laser laparoscopy.


METHODS
Carbon dioxide laser or potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser laparoscopic surgery.


RESULTS
Ninety (74%) of 122 patients reported improvement or resolution of pain; and 30 of 66 achieved a pregnancy, for a cumulative conception rate of 45%.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser laparoscopy is a practical, safe, and effective technique for the management of large ovarian endometriomas.
Sutton
C J
CJ
Royal Surrey County Hospital, Egerton Road, Guildford, Surrey, UK GU2 5XX.
Ewen
S P
SP
Jacobs
S A
SA
Whitelaw
N L
NL
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology; D010535:Laparoscopy; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010049:Ovarian Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome