title: Ultrasound mapping system for the surgical management of deep infiltrating endometriosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the accuracy of transvaginal sonography (TVS) in defining size and location of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) with laparoscopic/histologic confirmation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective observational study.
  
  
  METHODS
  University hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred four women with suspected DIE on the basis of TVS.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with DIE underwent TVS evaluation before laparoscopic surgery. An accurate mapping of the extent of the disease was recorded during TVS and at laparoscopy. This new mapping system was developed to assess the extent of endometriosis by measuring the size and depth of the lesions at the various pelvic locations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surgical and histologic confirmation of the ultrasonographic data to evaluate the presence and location of DIE and creation of a new mapping methodology for detecting DIE by TVS.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Depending on the different location of the lesions, the accuracy of TVS ranged from 76%-97%. The lowest sensitivity (59%) and accuracy (76%) were obtained for TVS in the diagnosis of vaginal endometriosis, whereas the greatest accuracy (97%) was shown in detecting bladder lesions and Douglas obliteration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This new ultrasound mapping system is accurate for detecting the extent of DIE and may be useful for preoperative planning and intraoperative management of symptomatic patients with DIE.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy. Electronic address: caterinaexacoustos@tiscali.it.
authors.forename: Caterina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Exacoustos
authors.affiliation: Advanced Gynecological Endoscopy Center, Malzoni Medical Center, Avellino, Italy.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Malzoni
authors.affiliation: Advanced Gynecological Endoscopy Center, Malzoni Medical Center, Avellino, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Di Giovanni
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Lucia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lazzeri
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tosti
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Felice
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Petraglia
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Errico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zupi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D010535:Laparoscopy; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Transvaginal ultrasound accuracy; deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE); laparoscopic surgery