title: Retroperitoneal anatomy during excision of pelvic side wall endometriosis.
abstract: Surgical management of endometriosis has been shown to improve dysmenorrhea at all disease stages and is recommended in severe disease for treatment of infertility. Deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) produces thick inflammatory tissue that precludes visualization of anatomical landmarks and distorts normal anatomy. Excision of DIE poses several technical and surgical challenges that mandate a clear understanding of the anatomy of the pelvic sidewall. This review details relevant surgical anatomy and addresses the principles of safe retroperitoneal entry, ureterolysis and excision of endometriotic lesions. Proper use of these techniques should facilitate safe and successful surgery for management of DIE.
authors.affiliation: Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Ave, Desk A81, Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, Tel: 1-216-444-1758.
authors.forename: Julian A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Gingold
authors.affiliation: Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Ave, Desk A81, Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, Tel: 1-216-444-1758.
authors.forename: Tommaso
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Falcone
keywords: deeply infiltrating endometriosis; laparoscopic surgery; retroperitoneal anatomy; surgical management; ureterolysis