Pain, quality of life and complications following the radical resection of rectovaginal endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the long term response, quality of life and levels of pain following the radical excision of rectovaginal endometriosis.


METHODS
A cohort study.


METHODS
A tertiary referral centre for the management of advanced endometriosis.


METHODS
All patients who had undergone radical resection.


METHODS
Case note review and patient questionnaire.


METHODS
Surgical complications. Overall improvement. Dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia, dyschezia and chronic pain were measured using a visual analogue scale. Quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D questionnaire.


RESULTS
Twelve radical resections were performed by laparotomy, 48 by laparoscopy. Ten patients had a hysterectomy. Forty-eight patients underwent shaving of the pre-rectal fascia, two had a disc resection of the rectum, 10 had an anterior rectal resection. Two patients required a colostomy and two needed subsequent dilation of a stenosed anastomosis. Forty-four of the first 46 patients replied. The median follow up period was 12 months (range 2 to 22 months) and 86% (38/44) reported an improvement or whom 27 (61%) had a good response (pain completely gone or greatly improved). Patients having a hysterectomy or a disc or segmental resection of the rectum reported a good response and had a normal quality of life. Quality of life scores in the study group overall were lower than the background population.


CONCLUSIONS
Radical resection is an effective treatment for rectovaginal endometriosis. Hysterectomy and rectal resection were associated with a better response and quality of life.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Worthing and Southlands Hospitals Trust, UK.
Jolyon
J
Ford
James
J
English
William A
WA
Miles
Theo
T
Giannopoulos
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D007223:Infant; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000601:surgery*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*