Quality of life after laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis.
BACKGROUND
Indications of colorectal resection for endometriosis remain controversial because of the risk of major complications. Therefore, the aims of the current study were to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic segmental colorectal resection for endometriosis on quality of life and gynaecologic and digestive symptoms, and its complications.


METHODS
After magnetic resonance imaging and rectal endoscopic sonographic evaluation of symptomatic colorectal endometriosis, 58 consecutive women requiring colorectal resection were included in this study. Symptom questionnaires and the short-form (SF)-36 Health Status and the quality of life score were completed. Linear intensity scores for several gynaecologic and digestive symptoms and perioperative complications were also recorded.


RESULTS
Fifty-one women (88%) underwent laparoscopic segmental colorectal resection and seven required laparoconversion. Major complications occurred in nine cases (15.5%), including six rectovaginal fistulae (10.3%), and the three remaining complications corresponded to a haemoperitoneum, a uroperitoneum and a pelvic abscess. Median follow-up after colorectal resection was 22.5 months (2-55 months). A significant improvement in dysmenorrhoea (P < 0.0001), dysparaeunia (P < 0.0001), bowel movement pain or cramping (P < 0.0001), pain on defecation (P < 0.0001), diarrhoea (P < 0.016), lower back pain (P < 0.0001) and asthaenia (P < 0.0002) was observed. Tenesmus, rectorrhagia and constipation were not improved. All the items of the SF-36 Health Status and the quality of life score were improved after colorectal resection for endometriosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic segmental colorectal resection for endometriosis significantly improves quality of life and gynaecologic and digestive symptoms. However, women have to be informed on the risk of complications including rectovaginal fistula.
Dubernard
Gil
G
Service de Gynécologie, Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Université Saint-Antoine Paris VI, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, France.
Piketty
Mathilde
M
Rouzier
Roman
R
Houry
Sydney
S
Bazot
Marc
M
Darai
Emile
E
D000328:Adult; D003106:Colon / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012007:Rectum / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012306:Risk