title: Extra-genital endometriosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Even if endometriosis is usually an exclusively gynecological issue, atypical locations fall within the interest of general surgery. The aim of our retrospective study focuses on the need for surgeons to face this rare condition, in order to avoid unnecessary or inadequate treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively analyzed clinical presentations, previous endometriosis diagnosis and surgical acts on a group of 60 patients, whose mean age was 38.2 years old, with extra-genital endometriosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 60 cases of extra-genital endometriosis collected, bowel foci, 37 cases - 61,7% - were the most frequent; then we collected 13 (21.7%) skin, 7 (11.7%) urinary tract and 3 (5%) whole pelvis localizations. It's important to underline the finding of 2 aggressive malignant transformations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Extra-genital endometriosis should be considered as a cause of otherwise inexplicable abdominal pain in young women. Since imaging techniques lack in specificity, we propose explorative laparoscopy as a powerful diagnostic means. Moreover laparoscopy can be turned into a therapeutic act, also limiting the adherences issue, which is associated with this illness and would worsen with open surgery. Extra-genital endometriosis should be treated also to avoid rare, but possible, risk of cancerization.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pezzolla
authors.forename: Serafina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lattarulo
authors.forename: Maria Grazia
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Fiore
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Piscitelli
authors.forename: Gennaro
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fabiano
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Palasciano
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D012189:Retrospective Studies