Palliation of recurrent endometriosis with radiotherapeutic ablation of ovarian remnants.
OBJECTIVE
To review the use of radiotherapy for relieving the symptoms of recurrent endometriosis caused by functioning ovarian remnants.


METHODS
Retrospective study (case report).


METHODS
A woman with recurrent endometriosis of 14 years' duration.


METHODS
After hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy, hormonal management, and multiple explorations for recurrent endometriosis, cycling ovarian remnants were confirmed histologically. Pelvic irradiation was used to ablate this tissue. A dose of 15 Gy in 10 daily fractions was given through anterior and posterior opposed fields using 18-mV photons.


RESULTS
The patient had a prompt increase in FSH levels associated with castration levels of serum E2. A review of the literature on the use of radiotherapy in this clinical situation is presented.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiotherapy should be considered in selected patients when ovarian castration is not a viable surgical option and hormonal therapies have failed.
Thomas
W W
WW
Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
Hughes
L L
LL
Rock
J
J
D000328:Adult; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D010052:Ovariectomy; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000628:therapy; D012008:Recurrence
D004958:Estradiol; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone