Outcomes and treatment options in rectovaginal endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
This review aims to explore the recent literature surrounding the role of colorectal surgery in rectovaginal endometriosis.


RESULTS
Recent findings would suggest that excision of a portion of the rectum along with complete excision of surrounding endometriosis is beneficial in terms of improvement in quality of life and recurrence of disease. However, further randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify this finding.


CONCLUSIONS
The optimal management of women with deeply infiltrating rectovaginal endometriosis remains a challenge to physicians involved in this disease process. The choice between medical and surgical treatments is not clearly defined, and neither is the role of adjunctive medical therapy prior to or following surgery. It is only when these questions have been asked in the context of well conducted clinical trials, with good outcome data, can the answers be given.
The Centre for Reproductive Medicine, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK. kenneth.emmanuel@barthsandthelondon.nhs.uk
Kenneth R
KR
Emmanuel
Colin
C
Davis
D004715:Endometriosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*