Umbilical endometriosis, a pathology that a gynecologist may encounter when inserting the Veres needle.
OBJECTIVE
To raise awareness between laparoscopists about umbilical endometriosis and to recommend the appropriate management measure for this rare but easily treatable condition.


METHODS
Case reports and literature review.


METHODS
Women presented to general surgeon with umbilical masses.


METHODS
Women of reproductive age with histologic diagnosis of umbilical endometriosis.


METHODS
Excision with histopathologic examination.


METHODS
Definite diagnosis and clinical improvement.


RESULTS
Umbilical endometriosis is best diagnosed and cured with excisional biopsy. Other diagnostic methods have been proven to be nonspecific and unreliable in the literature.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical diagnosis of this condition can be difficult even with the aid of cytology and imaging. Surgical excision with removal and histopathology is recommended for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Simultaneous laparoscopy should be recommended to the patient with suspected pelvic endometriosis.
Teh
Wan-Tinn
WT
Department of General Surgery, Monash University and Women's and Children's Program, Southern Health, Victoria, Australia. twtinn@hotmail.com <twtinn@hotmail.com>
Vollenhoven
Beverley
B
Harris
Phillip I
PI
D000328:Adult; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D014472:Umbilicus / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*