子宫内膜异位症患者不同部位病灶中神经纤维分布及其与疼痛症状的关系

目的 探讨子宫内膜异位症(内异症)患者不旧部位病灶组织中神经纤维的分布差异及其与疼痛症状的关系.方法 以2007年9月至2008年9月在北京协和医院行腹腔镜手术治疗的120例内异症患者为研究对象,其中Ⅰ期19例,Ⅱ期29例,Ⅲ期44例,Ⅳ期28例,采用视觉模拟评分(VAS)法,对患并的疼痛症状进行评分,采用免疫组化染色方法检测不同部位内异症病灶组织中神经纤维的分布.结果 不同部位内异症病灶组织中神经纤维的数目依次为:宫骶韧带内异症病灶(29.74±17.33)条/mm~2、阴道直肠隔内异症病灶(24.53±13.34)条/mm~2、子宫直肠陷凹内异症病灶(17.09±10.09)条/mm~2、腹膜内异症病灶(6.77±4.21)条/mm~2、卵巢内异症囊肿壁(0.07±0.25)条/mm~2.其中官骶韧带内异症病灶中神经纤维的数目与痛经关系最密切(r=0.56),子官直肠陷凹以及阴道直肠隔内异症病灶中神经纤维的数目与肛门坠痛(r分别为0.58和0.41)、性交痛(r分别为0.82和0.67)有密切的相关性,均明显高于腹膜及卵巢的内异症病灶.而不同期别患者的内异症病灶组织中神经纤维数目比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 不同部位内异症病灶组织中神经纤维的数目有明显差异性,且与痛经、肛门坠痛、性交痛以及慢性盆腔痛等症状的程度具有相关性,而与临床分期无关.     

子宫内膜异位症患者疼痛与盆腔病灶解剖分布的关系

目的研究子宫内膜异位症（内异症）患者疼痛症状与盆腔病灶解剖分布特点的关系。方法详细记录130例内异症患者痛经、慢性盆腔痛（CPP）、性交痛及排便痛的发生情况。以腹腔镜检查为诊断标准。评价疼痛症状包括痛经、CPP、性交痛及排便痛与盆腔内不同部位内异症病灶的关系。结果130例内异症患者中,痛经100例（76．9％）,无痛经30例（23．1％）。轻、中度和重度痛经者分别为27例（20．8％）、41例（31．5％）、32例（24．6％）,性交痛46例（35．4％）,CPP45例（34．6％）,排便痛67例（51．5％）。痛经者深部宫骶韧带结节、阴道直肠隔结节发生率分别为45．0％、16．0％,无痛经者深部宫骶韧带结节、阴道直肠隔结节发生率为13．3％、0,两者分别比较,差异均有统计学意义（P=0．00、P=0．01）;痛经者与无痛经者比较,子宫直肠窝封闭的比例增加（分别为41．0％、10．0％,P=0．00）,深部浸润型内异症（DIE）比例增加（分别为51．0％、16．7％,P=0．00）。痛经程度与宫骶韧带结节的数目（P=0．005,r=0．302）、宫骶韧带结节浸润深度（P=0．017,r=0．227）呈线性相关。痛经伴卵巢内异症囊肿患者中,发生中、重度盆腔粘连的比例增加（分别为29．1％、8．3％,P=0．029）。与无CPP的患者比较,CPP患者深部宫骶韧带结节（分别为51．1％、30．6％,P=0．018）以及DIE（分别为57．8％、35．3％,P=0．011）比例明显升高。与无排便痛的患者比较,排便痛患者深部宫骶韧带结节（分别为46．3％、28．6％,P=0．028）、阴道直肠隔结节（分别为19．4％、4．8％,P=0．01）、子宫直肠窝封闭（分别为44．8％、22．2％,P=0．005）以及DIE（分别为53．7％、31．7％,P=0．01）的比例升高。阴道直肠隔结节是性交痛的独立危险因素（OR=3．61）。结论痛经、CPP、性交痛以及排便痛与盆腔内异症病灶的部位和浸润深度有关,位于盆腔后部的深部浸润病灶以及子宫直肠窝封闭与疼痛症状关系密切。     

直肠阴道隔子宫内膜异位症11例临床分析

目的:探讨直肠阴道隔子宫内膜异位症(EMT)的临床特征及腹腔镜对其的诊治价值.方法:回顾分析6年内经腹腔镜手术病理检查证实的直肠阴道隔EMT 11例的临床资料.结果:11例直肠阴道隔EMT患者中9例有痛经,6例有肠道症状.病灶位于直肠阴道隔内,直径10～70 mm,实性、质硬、界限不清、活动度差、有明显触痛.术前经阴道活检病理检查确诊2例,高度疑诊7例,误诊2例.11例均经腹腔镜手术确诊而行EMT病灶切除术,7例术前、9例术后辅以激素治疗.平均随访44.7个月,11例症状均缓解;1例卵巢EMT复发;1例原发不孕术后妊娠.手术前后生活质量评分、疼痛评分比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).术中直肠浆肌层损伤3例,术后2例发热,1例直肠阴道瘘,1例大便不成形.结论:直肠阴道隔EMT以各种盆腔痛及肠道症状为主;病灶位于直肠阴道隔内,有明显的触痛.术前结合病史、妇科检查及辅助检查可能诊断.腹腔镜手术有助于直肠阴道隔EMT的确诊,并能够较完整切除病灶;于术前后辅以激素治疗,能取得较好的疗效.     

阴道直肠隔子宫内膜异位症25例的诊断治疗

目的 :探讨阴道直肠隔子宫内膜异位症的诊断和治疗方法。方法 :回顾分析1986至 2 0 0 2年手术病理证实的阴道直肠隔子宫内膜异位症 2 5例。结果 :发病年龄平均39岁 ,临床表现为各种形式的盆腔痛及不育 ,6 6 .7%合并有肠道症状。病灶位于阴道直肠隔内 ,单发 2 0例 ,多发 5例 ,直径 1～ 4cm。术前药物治疗中假孕疗法 7例 ,4例症状缓解 ,3例无效 ;假绝经疗法 8例 ,6例症状缓解 ,2例无效。 2 3例行手术治疗 ,2例行病灶切除术 ,11例行全子宫及阴道直肠隔异位病灶切除术 ;3例行全子宫单侧附件及阴道直肠隔异位病灶切除术 ;7例行全子宫双附件及阴道直肠隔异位病灶切除术。术后 6例用药物治疗 ,3例假孕疗法 ,3例假绝经疗法。在平均 15 .2月的随诊中 ,2 0例 (80 % )症状缓解 ,5例 (2 0 % )复发 ,其中 4例于术后 1年内复发 ,多发灶位于阴道直肠隔 ,1例于术后 14月复发 ,多发灶位于阴道残端。根治性手术组 (全子宫双附件及阴道直肠隔异位病灶切除术 )无 1例复发 ,非根治手术组 5例复发 ,两组差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 1)。结论 :阴道直肠隔子宫内膜异位症临床少见 ,通常有盆腔痛及不育 ,肠道症状的发生率高。临床诊断依靠妇科三合诊 ,药物治疗可以短期缓解症状 ,根据年龄、症状、生育要求采取个体化的手术治疗是主要的     

不同部位子宫内膜异位症与血清CA125水平的关系

目的:探讨血清CA125水平与不同部位的子宫内膜异位症之间的相关性。方法:选择经手术或腹腔镜确诊的内异症患者63例和排除内异症的对照组30例,按内异症发生部位的不同分为3组:Ⅰ组(卵巢内异组)34例;Ⅱ组(阴道直肠隔内异组)15例;Ⅲ组(腹壁切口内异组)14例。Ⅳ组为对照组,系临床和病理检查排除了内异症的健康者。术前采取空腹静脉血,用化学发光法测定各组血清中CA125水平。结果:(1)卵巢内异组、阴道直肠内异组的血清CA125水平均显著高于对照组(P<0·05);腹壁切口内异组CA125水平显著低于卵巢内异组(P<0·05),而与阴道直肠隔内异症组、对照组比较无统计学差异(P>0·05);(2)以血清CA125≥35U/ml为临界值,CA125诊断各组内异症的敏感性分别为:卵巢内异症52·94%,阴道直肠内异症40·00%,腹壁切口内异症21·43%。诊断特异性为96·67%。结论:CA125在诊断子宫内膜异位症发生方面具有一定的价值,但并不是敏感指标。单凭血清CA125不能鉴别不同部位的子宫内异症。     

阴道子宫内膜异位症18例临床分析

目的:探讨阴道子宫内膜异位症(内异症)的临床特点和治疗效果。方法:回顾性分析我院2003年1月至2005年10月收治的18例经病理证实为阴道内异症患者的临床资料。结果:阴道内异症独立存在者13例(72.2%),合并盆腔内异症者5例(27.8%)。前组性交痛及合并妇科良、恶性肿瘤的比例高于后组,而合并不孕的比例较后组低。所有患者中8例行保守性手术治疗,其中4例术后加用GnRHa治疗3个月;其余10例均行根治性手术治疗。平均随访18.6月,共有2例复发(11.1%),均见于肿块直径≥3 cm、行阴道局部切除未用药物治疗者。总共半年累积复发率13.3%(2/15),保守性手术复发为25%(2/8),其半年累积复发率40.0%(2/5);保守性手术术后加用药物治疗者及行根治性手术者无复发。各种术式之间比较,无明显统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:阴道子宫内膜异位症与常见的盆腔内异症相比较,有其特殊之处。其发生机制可能与盆腔内异症不同,尚有待进一步研究。     

会阴子宫内膜异位症的临床分析

目的：探讨会阴子宫内膜异位症（内异位）的诊断和处理。方法：对1院1983－2000年收治的11例会阴内异症病例进行回顾性分析,术后随诊0．5－7．0年。结果：会阴内异症占我院同期内异症的0．37％,我院会阴内异症发生率为0．87／万。根据临床表现及病理检查,11例均诊断正确。除1例外,均有会阴撕裂或侧切史;发病潜伏期,30岁以前多在1年以内,30岁以上多在1年以上,两者差异有显著性（P＜0．05）。会阴内异症病灶完整切除10例,随诊6个月至7年,无复发。结论：根据典型的病史和身体检查,可以对会阴切口内异症做出正确诊断;手术切除为主要治疗方法。     

会阴部子宫内膜异位症10例治疗体会

目的探讨会阴子宫内膜异位症（内异症）的诊断和处理。方法 对我院1990～2004年收治的10例会阴子宫内膜异位症病例进行回顾性分析，术后随诊6个月～7年。结果根据临床表现及病理检查，10例均诊断正确。均有会阴撕裂或侧切史；发病潜伏期：30岁以前多在1年以内，30岁以上多在1年以上，两者差异有显著性（P〈0．05）。会阴子宫内膜异位症病灶完整切除10例，随诊6个月～1年，无复发。结论根据典型的病史和查体，可以对会阴切口内异症做出正确诊断；手术切除为主要治疗方法。     

肠道子宫内膜异位症诊断及治疗

摘要：肠道子宫内膜异位症是指子宫内膜异位症病灶侵入或生长于部分或全部肠壁的浆肌层,主要表现是痛经、性交痛、排便痛。肠道子宫内膜异位症可以位于整个消化道的许多部位,但以乙状结肠和直肠交界处最常见。直肠气钡双重造影、经阴道超声、直肠内镜超声、磁共振成像(MRI)、多层螺旋CT等有助于明确诊断。药物治疗可以暂时控制症状,但不能使患者长期获益。根治性子宫内膜异位症病灶切除,包括肠道子宫内膜异位症病灶切除,是治疗肠道子宫内膜异位症的有效方法。肠道子宫内膜异位结节切除方法有表面病灶切除术,病灶碟形切除术和肠管节段性切除吻合术。尽管手术切除肠道子宫内膜异位症病灶还存在争议,但是越来越多的研究显示创伤性的手术改善了肠道子宫内膜异位症患者的症状及生存质量,增加了患者受孕机会。     

李-张氏肠管吻合术在直肠阴道隔子宫内膜异位症手术中的应用

我院对1994-2006年收治并经病理检查确诊为直肠阴道隔子宫内膜异位症(内异症)、病变侵及直肠黏膜的12例患者,行李-张氏肠管吻合术,术后无直肠吻合口瘘的发生。报道如下。1资料与方法1.1一般资料直肠阴道隔内异症、病变侵及直肠黏膜患者12例,年龄31～46岁,均已婚已产,病程平均4.     

Use of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device in the treatment of rectovaginal endometriosis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a levonorgestrel-releasing IUD as therapy for endometriosis of the rectovaginal septum. DESIGN: Prospective therapeutic non-randomized, self-controlled clinical trial analyzing changes in pain symptoms and size of lesions induced by the levonorgestrel-releasing IUD over 12 months. SETTING: Tertiary referral center for treatment of deep endometriosis. PATIENT(S): Eleven symptomatic patients with rectovaginal endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S): A levonorgestrel-releasing IUD was inserted and maintained for 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Severity of dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and deep dyspareunia were assessed before insertion of the IUD and throughout treatment. The size of rectovaginal endometriotic lesions were evaluated by using transrectal and transvaginal ultrasonography. RESULT(S): Dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and deep dyspareunia greatly improved and the size of the endometriotic lesions was significantly reduced by treatment. CONCLUSION(S): Insertion of a levonorgestrel-releasing IUD alleviates pain and reduces the size of lesions in patients with endometriosis of the rectovaginal septum.     

Surgical management of rectovaginal septum endometriosis from a continuous series of 50 cases

OBJECTIVES: To assess the value of MRI and ano-rectal endosonography (ARES) for the diagnosis and surgical prognosis of rectovaginal septum endometriosis and to analyse the surgical management in order to evaluate its functional results and complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 50 consecutive patients operated for a clinical presumption of endometriosis nodule of the recto vaginal septum. Thirty-nine patients had a MRI, 31 an ARES and 28 both exams. All the patients had a complete dissection of the rectovaginal septum and all lesions were excised. RESULTS: For the diagnosis of rectovaginal septum endometriosis nodule, MRI results are: sensitivity 73%, specificity 50%, positive predictive value (PPV) 89%, negative predictive value (NPV) 25%; for uterosacral ligaments involvement: sensitivity 84%, specificity 95%, PPV 94%, NPV 86% and for rectal wall infiltration: sensitivity 53%, specificity 82%, PPV 69%, NPV 69%. The ARES results for diagnosis of rectovaginal septum endometriosis nodule are: sensitivity 93%, specificity 100%, PPV 100%, NPV 50% and for rectal wall infiltration: sensitivity 100%, specificity 71%, PPV 81%, NPV 100%. ARES appeared more sensitive than MRI for the detection of rectal wall infiltration (P = 0.002) and for rectovaginal septum endometriosis nodule diagnosis (P = 0.03). Eighty-nine percent of the patients had a coelioscopy in first intention and 15 laparoconversions were performed, 11 in order to perform a digestive resection: 45 nodules were found. In 43cases the nodule was excised, associated to 19 digestive resections, 30 colpectomys, and 22 uterosacral ligaments resections. Three patients required an additional surgical treatment by Hartman's procedure with Mickulicz's drainage for peritonitis. Forty-one nodules were endometriosis nodules: the two other cases were fibrosis nodules. Thirty-three patients were interviewed about the evolution of their pains over a mean history of 20 months: 90% of the patients were satisfied with the management results. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the efficiency of MRI for rectovaginal septum endometriosis nodule and uterosacral ligaments involvement diagnosis; accord ARES to rectovaginal septum endometriosis nodule diagnosis and its reliability in establishing a diagnosis of rectal wall involvement. The surgical cure of rectovaginal septum nodules without digestive infiltration is performed by coelioscopic or coelio-vaginal procedure, but in case of associated digestive affliction, laparotomy is actually the standard procedure in order to achieve a complete cure of the lesions. Complications, in particular peritonitis, are not frequent. Our data support the efficiency of radical surgical treatment for the improvement of pain symptoms. Results on fertility seem to be satisfactory, but complication risks suggest being careful in this indication. Clinical examination during a catamenial period is essential in order to evoke the diagnosis. MRI yields a complete map of the sub-peritoneal and peritoneal lesions and ARES allows for the diagnosis of an infiltration of the rectal wall. Pre-operative association of those two exams is actually indispensable for the surgical management of those patients, which consists of complete excision of endometriosical lesions and is efficient at treating pain symptoms and fertility. Complications are rare but severe, therefore, justifying a cure in specialised centres.     

Transrectal ultrasonography in the assessment of rectovaginal endometriosis

Objective: To evaluate the validity of transrectal ultrasonography in the assessment of rectovaginal endometriosis.Methods: We compared the findings of transrectal ultrasonographic examination performed before surgery with the operative and pathologic findings in 140 women who underwent laparoscopy or laparotomy for suspected endometriosis. The ultrasonographer was asked to investigate whether any deep endometriotic lesions were present in the rectovaginal septum and to define the lateral extension on the basis of involvement of the uterosacral ligaments. In addition, infiltration of the rectal and vaginal walls was evaluated.Results: Thirty-four women had endometriosis infiltrating the rectovaginal septum confirmed by combined operative and pathologic findings. Ultrasonography showed a sensitivity and specificity of 97% and 96%, respectively, in the diagnosis of the presence of rectovaginal endometriosis. The sonographer identified infiltration of the rectal and vaginal walls correctly in all cases in whom it was present, but also reported rectal infiltration in three cases not confirmed by the surgeon and pathologist. The sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of uterosacral ligament infiltration were 80% and 97%, respectively.Conclusion: If our preliminary results are confirmed by a larger series, transrectal ultrasonography will be considered a valid diagnostic tool in the evaluation of rectovaginal endometriosis.     

Dyschezia and posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis: analysis of 360 cases

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between anatomic locations and diameter of endometriotic lesions with severity of perimenstrual dyschezia (pain with defecation) as a possible location-indicating pain symptom for posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE).DesignRetrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).SettingTertiary care university hospital.PatientsWe reviewed hospital records of patients who underwent laparoscopic treatment for pelvic endometriosis in our center between 2001 and 2006. In all, 360 patients with posterior DIE (endometrial glands and stroma infiltrated excised tissues of the specified organs) were included for whom preoperative scoring of perimenstrual dyschezia was performed using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). Data about anatomic location and diameter of excised nodules were retrieved from operative and pathological records.InterventionsLaparoscopic excision of suspected endometriotic lesions.Measurements and Main ResultsMean VAS score of dyschezia for patients with overall posterior DIE was 3.9 ± 3.8, whereas in unaffected patients it was 1.9 ± 3.3 (Mann-Whitney test p <.0005). Rectovaginal involvement (posterior vaginal wall, rectovaginal septum, and anterior rectal wall) was found in 240 of 360 women. Mean VAS score for dyschezia was 4.1 ± 4 and 2.1 ± 3.3 in affected and nonaffected patients, respectively (p <.0005). Mean lesion diameter in affected patients was significantly correlated with mean VAS score (Spearman ρ = 0.21). Patients with anterior rectal wall endometriosis (71/240) had a mean VAS score of 4.2 ± 4 and in nonaffected patients it was 2.7 ± 3.6 (p <.05). Mean lesion diameter in affected patients was not significantly correlated with mean VAS score of dyschezia (Spearman ρ = 0.16).ConclusionSeverity of dyschezia was significantly correlated with posterior DIE. A positive correlation occurred between severity of dyschezia and lesion diameter with rectovaginal endometriosis but not with anterior rectal wall involvement.     

A rare case of extrauterine adenosarcoma arising in endometriosis of the rectovaginal septum

OBJECTIVE: To present a rare case of endometrial stromal sarcoma arising in endometriosis of the rectovaginal septum. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Academic tertiary referral center for endometriosis treatment. PATIENT(S): A 50-year-old woman with a history of endometriosis presented with catamenial rectal pain and deep dyspareunia. Imaging findings suggested new endometriotic lesions in the rectovaginal space. INTERVENTION(S): Total hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, and excision of the lesion in the rectovaginal septum were performed. Although extemporary pathology confirmed endometriosis, the final histologic diagnosis was extrauterine adenosarcoma in the rectovaginal septum. Two years later, recurrence of the malignancy occurred and was treated by resecting the new perirectal mass. Subsequent radiotherapy and chemotherapy were administered. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Imaging findings at follow-up evaluation. RESULT(S): The patient was in good health for 2 years after the initial surgery, when she developed a new lesion at the site of the previous resection. The histologic appearance of the lesion was consistent with recurrence of the tumor. After postoperative therapy, the patient is now without evidence of disease. CONCLUSION(S): Malignant transformation of endometriosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a new pelvic lesion in a patient with a history of endometriosis.     

Primary adenocarcinoma arising from endometriosis of the rectovaginal septum: a case report

Adenocarcinomas developing in endometriotic lesions have been reported, most commonly in the ovary. The rectovaginal septum is a rare location of this neoplastic transformation. We report a case of primary adenocarcinoma arising from endometriosis of the rectovaginal septum in a 25-year-old woman presenting with lower abdominal pain and dyspareunia. Diagnostic and treatment modalities were discussed. Immunohistochemical studies of different keratin subtypes and CA125 expression of the tumor cells are of interest for the diagnosis. Preoperative radiation therapy promotes clinical symptoms relief, tumor volume reduction, and better radical surgical approach.     

Ureteral endometriosis: a complication of rectovaginal endometriotic (adenomyotic) nodules.

OBJECTIVE: To present data from 18 cases of ureteral endometriosis. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: Department of gynecology at a university hospital. PATIENT(S): Four hundred and five patients with severe dysmenorrhea or deep dyspareunia due to a rectovaginal endometriotic (adenomyotic) nodule. INTERVENTION(S): Patients were prospectively evaluated using intravenous pyelography. All patients underwent laparoscopic surgery to remove rectovaginal adenomyosis and ureterolysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Presurgical and postsurgical evaluation and histologic analysis. RESULT(S): Preoperative intravenous pyelography revealed ureteral stenosis with ureterohydronephrosis in 18 patients (4.4%). A significantly higher prevalence (11.2%) was observed in nodules > or = 3 cm in diameter. Five women (20%) had complete ureteral stenosis. Kidney scintigraphy revealed damaged kidney parenchymal function, which ranged from 18% to 42%. Laparoscopic ureterolysis was done in 16 women; 2 women underwent ureteral resection and uretero-ureterostomy. A significant postoperative decrease in ureterohydronephrosis was noted in all patients; however, renal function improved only slightly. CONCLUSION(S): Ureteral endometriosis was found in 4.4% of patients with rectovaginal endometriotic (adenomyotic) nodules. Ureterolysis and removal of associated adenomyotic lesions was sufficient therapy in most patients; two required resection of the ureteral stenotic segment. Intravenous pyelography should be performed in all women with rectovaginal nodules > or = 3 cm to prevent nonreversible loss of renal function.     

Transvaginal-laparoscopic Anterior Rectum Resection in a Hysterectomized Woman with Deep-infiltrating Endometriosis: Description of a Gynecologic Natural Orifice Transendoluminal Surgery Approach

Deep-infiltrating endometriosis may affect the vagina, the rectum, and the cervicoisthmic part of the uterus, resulting in severe pain, particularly dyschezia, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and diminished quality of life. Advanced surgical techniques, such as laparoscopic-assisted anterior rectum resection, are recognized as safe and effective therapeutic approaches. In some cases, a laparotomy or minilaparotomy has to be performed for technical reasons. This can be avoided in some cases by transvaginal-laparoscopic low anterior rectum resection. The technique is a 4-step procedure, which can be described as follows: step 1 (vaginal) - rectovaginal examination, preparation of the rectovaginal septum, opening of the pouch of Douglas, mobilization of the endometriotic nodule and the rectum, temporary vaginal closure; step 2 (laparoscopic) - removal of additional endometriotic lesions, adhesiolysis, final mobilization of the rectum, mobilization of the rectosigmoid, endoscopic resection using an endoscopic stapler step 3 (vaginal) - transvaginal resection of the lesion, preparation of the oral anvil, closure of the vagina; and step 4 (laparoscopic) - endoscopic transanal stapler anastomosis and underwater rectoscopy, prophylaxis of adhesions, drainage. We used this procedure to treat a 46-year-old woman (gravida 2, para 2) who was admitted to our hospital for severe lower abdominal pain, constipation, dyspareunia, dyschezia, and cyclic rectal bleedings. The symptoms were caused by an endometriotic nodule accompanied by a palpable rectum stenosis. In addition, she reported a past abdominal hysterectomy with complications caused by symptomatic myomatous uterus. As a gynecologic natural orifice surgery approach, the transvaginal-laparoscopic anterior rectum resection may be an additional useful surgical technique that could be offered by surgical gynecologists to some women with deep-infiltrating endometriosis.     

Magnetic resonance imaging and endometriosis: deeply infiltrating endometriosis does not originate from the rectovaginal septum

The goal of this study was to describe the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging signs of deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) lesions and above all to find out if MR imaging can pinpoint the location of these lesions. We made a retrospective study of 8 patients presenting with histologically proven DIE lesions. The MR imaging results were compared with intraoperative findings. Nodules revealed on T1-weighted images as isointense to myometrium with hyperintense spots remained visible on the fat-suppressed spin echo images. When there was no rectal involvement, the T1- and T2-weighted images showed a hypointense transition area between the nodule and the rectum. The DIE nodules were in identical locations in every case, lying below the torus uterinum, level with the posterior vaginal fornix and the upper third of the posterior vaginal wall. Without exception, the DIE nodules were located above the upper edge of the rectovaginal septum, with the latter appearing fine and regular with no image of any nodule. Our MR imaging results suggest that DIE lesions do not originate from the rectovaginal septum.     

Recto vaginal septum adenomyotic nodules: a series of 500 cases

Objective Laparoscopic procedure with excision of deep fibrotic endometriotic nodules of the rectovaginal septum and histological study of the lesions.
Setting An academic teaching hospital.
Participants A series of 500 women undergoing laparoscopy for pelvic pain or infertility.
Results Laparoscopic ( n = 497) and laparotomic ( n = 3) excision of endometriotic nodules resulted in considerable pain relief. Histologically the rectovaginal nodule was similar to an adenomyoma as it was a circumscribed nodular aggregate of smooth muscle and endometrial glands and stroma. The variations in oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor content suggested a regulatory mechanism different from that of eutopic endometrium.
Conclusion This form of disease should be considered as an entity distinct from peritoneal and ovarian endometriosis, and originating from the Miillerian rests present in the rectovaginal septum.