Endometriosis imaging

Pelvic endometriosis primarily affects the ovaries, pelvic peritoneum, utero-sacral ligaments, Douglas pouch, vagina, rectum and bladder. Clinical assessment is difficult, and imaging proves necessary to determine location and extent of the disease. We review pelvic endometriosis with regards to imaging modalities: technical considerations, imaging patterns, diagnostic performance and respective place of ultrasound and MRI.     

Surgical and Clinical Impact of Extraserosal Pelvic Fascia Removal in Segmental Colorectal Resection for Endometriosis

Study ObjectiveTo describe the characteristics of patients with colorectal endometriosis and extraserosal pelvic fascia (EPF) involvement and to assess the effect of EPF resection.DesignProspective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).SettingUniversity hospital.PatientsTwo hundred twenty-seven patients who underwent segmental colorectal resection to treat symptomatic deep infiltrating endometriosis between 2001 and 2011, with or without EPF resection.InterventionsSegmental colorectal resection with or without EPF resection.Measurements and Main ResultsOne hundred twelve patients (49.4%) required EPF resection. In these patients the total American Society for Reproductive Medicine endometriosis scores were higher (p = .004), there were more associated resected lesions of deep infiltrating endometriosis (p <.001), and the operative time was longer (p <.001). They were more likely to require blood transfusion (p = .003) and to experience intraoperative complications (p = .01) and postoperative voiding dysfunction (p = .04).ConclusionEPF infiltration reflects disease severity in patients with colorectal endometriosis. Its removal affects intraoperative morbidity and leads to a higher rate of voiding dysfunction.     

Urinary complications after surgery for posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis are related to the extent of dissection and to uterosacral ligaments resection

Surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. However, few data are available on complications, especially urinary disorders. The aim of this longitudinal study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3) was to evaluate urinary complications of laparoscopic surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis in 86 patients. The main locations of endometriosis were colorectum (58 patients), uterosacral ligaments (21 patients), and rectovaginal septum (7 patients). Patients requiring surgical resection for posterior deep pelvic endometriosis completed before and after surgery the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Questionnaire. After surgery, almost all the patients reported significant urinary complications, consisting of hesitancy (p = .02), strain to start (p = .04), stopping flow (p = .01), incomplete emptying (p = .008), and reduced stream (p = .02). Most symptoms were observed postoperatively in the colorectum group. De novo hesitancy (p = .02), stopping flow (p = .02), and incomplete emptying (p = .004) occurred more frequently after colorectal resection than after resection of other locations. The risk of de novo urinary symptoms did not depend on uterosacral ligament resection, except for incomplete emptying (p = .003) when bilateral resection was performed. Extensive dissection in the colorectum group, when combined with uterosacral ligament resection, was associated with significant urinary complications. Urinary complications mainly occurred after segmental colorectal endometriosis resection combined with bilateral uterosacral ligament resection. Surgery designed to spare the pelvic autonomic nerves could reduce the incidence of urinary complications.     

Voiding Dysfunction after Colorectal Surgery for Endometriosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ObjectiveSurgical management of deep endometriosis is associated with a high incidence of lower urinary tract dysfunction. The aim of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the rates of voiding dysfunction according to colorectal shaving, discoid excision, and segmental resection for deep endometriosis.Data SourcesWe performed a systematic review using bibliographic citations from PubMed, Clinical Trials.gov, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. Medical Subject Headings terms for colorectal endometriosis and voiding dysfunction were combined and restricted to the French and English languages. The final search was performed on August 28, 2019. The outcome measured was the occurrence of postoperative voiding dysfunction.Methods of Study SelectionStudy Quality Assessment Tools were used to assess the quality of included studies. Studies rated as good and fair were included. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of each included study, discrepancies were discussed; if consensus was not reached, a third reviewer was consulted.Tabulation, Integration and ResultsOut of 201 relevant published reports, 51 studies were ultimately reviewed systematically and 13 were included in the meta-analysis. Rectal shaving was statistically less associated with postoperative voiding dysfunction than segmental colorectal resection (Odds ratio [OR] 0.34; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.18–0.63; I² = 0%; p <.001) or discoid excision (OR 0.22; 95% CI, 0.09–0.51; I² = 0%; p <.001). No significant difference was noted when comparing discoid excision and segmental colorectal resection (OR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.32–1.69; I² = 29%; p = .47). Similarly, rectal shaving was associated with a lower risk of self-catheterization >1 month than segmental colorectal resection (OR 0.3; 95% CI, 0.14–0.66; I² = 0%; p = .003). This outcome was no longer significant when comparing discoid excision and segmental colorectal resection (OR 0.72; 95% CI, 0.4–1.31; I² = 63%; p = .28).ConclusionColorectal surgery for endometriosis has a significant impact on urinary function regardless of the technique. However, rectal shaving causes less postoperative voiding dysfunction than discoid excision or segmental resection.     

Feasibility,Complications, and Recurrence after Discoid Resection for Colorectal Endometriosis: A Series of 93 Cases

Laparoscopic discoid colorectal resection is a surgical option for bowel endometriosis, 1 of the most severe forms of endometriosis. However, no study has clearly analyzed the feasibility or the complication and recurrence rates of the procedure in a homogeneous population with specific criteria for discoid resection. The aims of this study were to evaluate the rate of conversion to segmental resection, the need for double discoid resection, and the complication and recurrence rates. We conducted a prospective study of 93 consecutive patients who underwent discoid resection in Tenon University Hospital, Paris, France. The median follow-up was 20 months. We included patients with colorectal endometriosis (≤3 cm long and <90° of bowel circumference) experiencing failure of medical treatment or associated infertility. All the patients underwent a discoid colorectal resection using a transanal circular stapler. The primary end point was the rate of conversion to segmental resection (3.2%). The secondary end point was the rate of double discoid resection (6.5%). The overall complication rate was 24%, and the severe complication rate (i.e., Clavien-Dindo IIIB) was 3% (n = 4). Postoperative voiding dysfunction requiring bladder self-catheterization was observed in 16% (n = 15). The mean duration of bladder self-catherization was 30 days (range, 15–90) including 11 cases (74%) lasting less than 30 days and 4 cases lasting more than 30 days. No patients required bladder self-catheterization over 3 months. No difference in the complication rate or in voiding dysfunction was observed between double and single discoid resection. The low rate of conversion to radical resection confirms the satisfactory preoperative evaluation of bowel endometriosis. Few publications report the rate of conversion to radical surgery. This raises the crucial issue of the right indications for discoid resection. The present study confirms that discoid resection is probably the best option for small lesions because of its high feasibility and low complication rate. Further studies are required to evaluate the technique for larger colorectal endometriotic lesions.     

Systematic Nerve Sparing during Surgery for Deep-infiltrating Posterior Endometriosis Improves Immediate Postoperative Urinary Outcomes

Study ObjectiveEvaluate the feasibility and risk–benefit ratio of systematic nerve sparing by complete dissection of the inferior hypogastric nerves and afferent pelvic splanchnic nerves during surgery for deep-infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) on the basis of complication rates and postoperative bladder morbidity.DesignObservational before (2012–2014)–and–after (2015–2017) study based on a prospectively completed database of all patients treated medically or surgically for endometriosis.SettingUnicentric study at the Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Poissy-St-Germain-en-Laye.PatientsThis study included patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for DIE (pouch of Douglas resection with or without colpectomy or bilateral uterosacral ligament resection), with complete excision of all identifiable endometriotic lesions, with or without an associated digestive procedure, between 2012 and 2017. The exclusion criteria included prior history of surgery for DIE or colorectal DIE excision, unilateral uterosacral ligament resection, and bladder endometriotic lesions.InterventionsFor the patients in group 1 (2012–2014, n = 56), partial dissection of the pelvic nerves was carried out only if they were macroscopically caught in endometriotic lesions, without dissection of the pelvic splanchnic nerves. The patients in group 2 (2015–2017, n = 65) systematically underwent nerve sparing during DIE surgery, with dissection of the inferior hypogastric nerves and pelvic splanchnic nerves.Measurements and Main ResultsBoth groups were comparable in terms of patient age, parity, body mass index, and previous abdominal surgery. The operating times were similar in both groups (228 ± 105 minutes in group 2 vs 219 ± 71 minutes in group 1), as were intra- and postoperative complication rates. Time to voiding was significantly longer in the patients in group 1 (p <.01), with 7 (12.9%) patients requiring self-catheterization in this group compared with no patients (0%) in group 2. The duration of self-catheterization for the 7 patients in group 1 was 28, 21, 3, 60, 21, 1 (stopped by the patient), and 28 days, respectively. Uroflowmetry on postoperative day 10 was abnormal in 5/25 patients in group 1 compared with 1/33 in group 2 (p = .031).ConclusionSystematic and complete nerve sparing, including pelvic splanchnic nerve dissection, during surgery for posterior DIE improves immediate postoperative urinary outcomes, reducing the need for self-catheterization without increasing operating time or complication rates.     

Feasibility and clinical outcome of laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility and complications of laparoscopic segmental colorectal resection for endometriosis and its efficacy on gynecologic and digestive symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: After magnetic resonance imaging and rectal endoscopic sonographic evaluation of symptomatic colorectal endometriosis, 40 consecutive women requiring colorectal resection were included in this study. Symptom questionnaires were completed before and after the procedure. Perioperative complications and linear intensity scores for several gynecologic and digestive symptoms were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-six women (90%) underwent laparoscopic segmental colorectal resection and 4 required laparoconversion. Major complications occurred in 4 cases (10%), including 3 rectovaginal fistulae and 1 pelvic abscess. Transient urinary dysfunction occurred in 7 women (17.5%). Median follow-up after colorectal resection was 15 months (3-22 months). Median overall preoperative and postoperative pain scores were 8 +/- 1 (range 4-10) and 2 +/- 2 (0-10), respectively ( P < .0001). Nonmenstrual pelvic pain ( P = .0001), dysmenorrhea ( P < .0001), dyspareunia ( P = .0001), and pain on defecation ( P < .0005) were improved by colorectal resection. Lower back pain and asthenia were not improved. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that laparoscopic segmental colorectal resection for endometriosis is feasible but carries a risk of major postoperative complications. Colorectal resection improved gynecologic and digestive symptoms, and the overall pain score.     

Partial Colpectomy is a Risk Factor for Urologic Complications of Colorectal Resection for Endometriosis

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate urologic complications after colorectal resection for endometriosis.DesignCohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).SettingTertiary referral university hospital and expert center in endometriosis.PatientsOne hundred sixty-six women with colorectal endometriosis proven by transvaginal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging.InterventionOpen or laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis.Measurements and Main ResultsForty-four patients (26.5%) experienced at least 1 urologic complication, including infection. Eight patients (4.8%) experienced postoperative symptomatic hydronephrosis requiring ureteral stent in 3 cases, a percutaneous nephrostomy in 1 case, and expectant management for the last 4. Urologic fistulas occurred in 5 patients (3%). Postoperative voiding dysfunction requiring self-catheterization was observed in 48 patients (28.9%). With univariate analysis, a relationship was found between voiding dysfunction and partial colpectomy (p = .001) and American Society of Reproductive Medicine total score (p = .02), and between the occurrence of urinary fistula and the use of prophylactic ureteral catheterization (p = .015) and parametrectomy (p = .02). A relationship was found between postoperative symptomatic hydronephrosis and the use of prophylactic ureteral catheterization (p = .003).ConclusionColorectal resection for endometriosis can lead to urologic complications, particularly for patients requiring partial colpectomy, of which patients need to be informed.     

Anatomical basis for nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy: immunohistochemical study of the pelvic autonomic nerves

BACKGROUND: Autonomic nerve damage plays a crucial role in the etiology of bladder dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and colorectal motility disorders that occur after radical hysterectomy. We investigated the extent and nature of nerve damage in conventional and nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy. METHODS: Macroscopical disruption of nerves was assessed through anatomical dissection after conventional and nerve-sparing surgery on five fixed and one fresh cadaver. Immunohistochemical analysis of surgical margins was performed to confirm nerve damage using a general nerve marker (S100) and a sympathetic nerve marker (anti-tyrosine hydroxylase) within sections of biopsies. RESULTS: Macroscopical dissection showed that in the conventional procedure, transsection of the uterosacral ligaments resulted in disruption of the major part of the hypogastric nerve. After nerve-sparing surgery, only the medial branches of the hypogastric nerve appeared disrupted. Division of the cardinal ligaments in the conventional procedure identified the inferior hypogastric plexus running into the most posterior border of the surgical margin. The anterior part of the plexus was disrupted. Dissection of the nerves after the nerve-sparing procedure showed that this anterior part of the plexus was not involved in the surgical dissection line. Dissection of the vesicouterine ligament disrupted only small nerves on the medial border of the inferior hypogastric plexus in both techniques. Microscopical evaluation of the surgical margins confirmed the macroscopical findings. CONCLUSION: Conventional radical hysterectomy results in disruption of a substantial part of the pelvic autonomic nerves. The nerve-sparing modification leads to macroscopic reduction in nerve disruption which is substantiated by microscopical evaluation of surgical margins.     

Comparison of Laparoscopic Discoid Resection and Segmental Resection for Colorectal Endometriosis Using a Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Study Objective

Our primary endpoint was to compare the intra- and postoperative complications, whereas secondary endpoints were the occurrence of voiding dysfunction and evaluation of the quality or life of segmental and discoid resection in patients with colorectal endometriosis.

深部浸润型子宫内膜异位症的治疗研究新进展

深部浸润型子宫内膜异位症（deep infiltrating endometriosis,DIE）是子宫内膜异位症（endometriosis,EMs）的一种特殊类型,其特指浸润深度≥5 mm的EMs病灶,可累及盆腔不同部位,主要位于后盆腔,如宫骶韧带、子宫直肠陷凹、阴道直肠隔和结直肠等。疼痛是其主要临床症状,且形式多样,包括痛经、慢性盆腔痛、深部性交痛及泌尿消化系统相关的疼痛等。目前DIE的治疗主要以手术为主,但手术困难、手术安全、术后并发症较难避免等均是非常棘手的问题。研究者据此提出的保留神经功能的病灶切除术,机器人辅助腹腔镜手术等方法正在被探究中。综述DIE的治疗研究新进展。     

Endoscopic treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) involving the bladder and rectosigmoid colon

BACKGROUND: To study the feasibility, complications and symptom relief of laparoscopic treatment in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis. METHODS: From January 2004 to March 2005, 24 patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis were treated with laparoscopic techniques. Preoperative symptoms, staging, involvement of the disease, and surgical procedures were recorded. Operating time and perioperative complications were also registered, as well as follow-up of the patients. RESULTS: The surgical treatment was individualized with removal of deep infiltrating endometriosis in all 24 patients, additional bladder resection in five patients and colorectal resection in eight patients. In two cases laparoconversion was performed, and one patient had a temporary loop ileostomy. We observed no major peri- or postoperative complications. Median operating time was 3.4 h (range 1.4-8.0 h). All patients with bladder involvement were relieved of their urinary dysfunction, while all except three patients were successfully treated for their pain problems, and also these three patients had symptom relief. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis represent a challenge to surgical procedures. Our results show that radical laparoscopic surgery including colorectal and bladder resection is feasible, safe, and effective in almost all patients.     

Sonography and MR imaging for the assessment of deep pelvic endometriosis

Deep pelvic endometriosis may involve the uterosacral ligaments, the pouch of Douglas, the vagina, the rectum, and occasionally the bladder. Assessment by physical examination is difficult, and imaging techniques are needed to evaluate the location and extent of endometriosis. In this review, we describe transvaginal and rectal endoscopic sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging features suggestive of deep pelvic endometriosis and their diagnostic performance.     

Surgical Outcomes after Colorectal Surgery for Endometriosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of type of surgery for colorectal endometriosis—rectal shaving or discoid resection or segmental colorectal resection—on complications and surgical outcomes.Data SourcesWe performed a systematic review of all English- and French-language full-text articles addressing the surgical management of colorectal endometriosis, and compared the postoperative complications according to surgical technique by meta-analysis. The PubMed, Clinical Trials.gov, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies published before March 27, 2020. The search strategy used the following Medical Subject Headings terms: (“bowel endometriosis” or “colorectal endometriosis”) AND (“surgery for endometriosis” or “conservative management” or “radical management” or “colorectal resection” or “shaving” or “full thickness resection” or “disc excision”) AND (“treatment”, “outcomes”, “long term results” and “complications”).Methods of Study SelectionTwo authors conducted the literature search and independently screened abstracts for inclusion, with resolution of any difference by 3 other authors. Studies were included if data on surgical management (shaving, disc excision, and/or segmental resection) were provided and if postoperative outcomes were detailed with at least the number of complications. The risk of bias was assessed according to the Cochrane recommendations.Tabulation, Integration, and ResultsOf the 168 full-text articles assessed for eligibility, 60 were included in the qualitative synthesis. Seventeen of these were included in the meta-analysis on rectovaginal fistula, 10 on anastomotic leakage, 5 on anastomotic stenosis, and 9 on voiding dysfunction <30 days. The mean complication rate according to shaving, disc excision, and segmental resection were 2.2%, 9.7%, and 9.9%, respectively. Rectal shaving was less associated with rectovaginal fistula than disc excision (odds ratio [OR] = 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10–0.36; p <.001; I² = 33%) and segmental colorectal resection (OR = 0.26; 95% CI, 0.15–0.44; p <.001; I² = 0%). No difference was found in the occurrence of rectovaginal fistula between disc excision and segmental colorectal resection (OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.70–1.63; p = .76; I² = 0%). Rectal shaving was less associated with leakage than disc excision (OR = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06–0.73; p = .01; I² = 86%). No difference was found in the occurrence of leakage between rectal shaving and segmental colorectal resection (OR = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.10–1.01; p = .05; I² = 71%) or between disc excision and segmental colorectal resection (OR = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.30–1.58; p = .38; I² = 0%). Disc excision was less associated with anastomotic stenosis than segmental resection (OR = 0.15; 95% CI, 0.05–0.48; p = .001; I² = 59%). Disc excision was associated with more voiding dysfunction <30 days than rectal shaving (OR = 12.9; 95% CI, 1.40–119.34; p = .02; I² = 0%). No difference was found in the occurrence of voiding dysfunction <30 days between segmental resection and rectal shaving (OR = 3.05; 95% CI, 0.55–16.87; p = .20; I² = 0%) or between segmental colorectal and discoid resections (OR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.54–1.85; p = .99; I² = 71%).ConclusionColorectal surgery for endometriosis exposes patients to a risk of severe complications such as rectovaginal fistula, anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stenosis, and voiding dysfunction. Rectal shaving seems to be less associated with postoperative complications than disc excision and segmental colorectal resection. However, this technique is not suitable for all patients with large bowel infiltration. Compared with segmental colorectal resection, disc excision has several advantages, including shorter operating time, shorter hospital stay, and lower risk of postoperative bowel stenosis.     

Nerve-sparing Surgery for Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: Laparoscopic Eradication of Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis with Rectal and Parametrial Resection According to the Negrar Method

ObjectiveTo show technical highlights of a nerve-sparing laparoscopic eradication of deep infiltrating endometriosis with rectal and parametrial resection according to the Negrar method.DesignStepwise demonstration of the technique with narrated video footage.SettingTertiary care endometriosis unit. Bowel endometriosis accounts for about 12% of the total cases of endometriosis. Most frequently, rectal infiltration also means parametrial infiltration from the widespread infiltrating disease. Its removal with inadequate anatomical surgical knowledge may lead to severe damage to visceral pelvic innervation, causing bladder, rectal, and sexual function impairments and lasting lifelong. Nerve-sparing techniques, which are the heritage of onco-gynecologic surgery, have been described to have lower post-operative bladder, rectal, and sexual dysfunctions than classical approaches.InterventionsLaparoscopic excision of deep infiltrating endometriosis was performed by following the nerve-sparing Negrar technique in 6 steps: step 0—adhesiolysis, ovarian surgery, and removal of the involved peritoneal tissues; step 1—opening of pre-sacral space, development of avascular spaces, and identification and preservation of pelvic sympathetic fibers of the inferior mesenteric plexus, superior hypogastric plexus, upper hypogastric nerves, and lumbosacral sympathetic trunk and ganglia; step 2—dissection of parametrial planes, isolation of ureteral course, lateral parametrectomy, and preservation of sympathetic fibers of postero-lateral parametrium and lower mesorectum (the lower hypogastric nerves and proximal part of the inferior hypogastric plexus or pelvic plexus); step 3—posterior parametrectomy, deep uterine vein identification, and preservation of the parasympathetic pelvic splanchnic nerves and the cranial and middle part of the mixed inferior hypogastric plexus in caudad posterior parametrium and lower mesorectal planes; step 4—preserving the caudad part of the inferior hypogastric plexus in postero-lateral parametrial ligaments; step 5—preserving the caudad part of the inferior hypogastric plexus in paravaginal planes; and step 6—rectal resection and colorectal anastomosis.ConclusionAs shown in this case, the laparoscopic nerve-sparing complete excision of endometriosis is a feasible and reproducible technique in expert hands and, as reported in the literature, offers good results in terms of bladder morbidity reduction with higher satisfaction than the classical technique.     

Laparoscopic treatment of deep endometriosis with segmental colorectal resection: short-term morbidity

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Adequate surgical treatment of severe deep endometriosis requires complete excision of all implants, but the modality of bowel resection is still debated. We describe the results of our experience as a tertiary care endometriosis referral center in complete laparoscopic management of deep pelvic endometriosis with bowel involvement. DESIGN: A prospective single-center study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: In Sacro Cuore General Hospital of Negrar, Italy. PATIENTS: One hundred ninety-two women treated with laparoscopic excision of deep endometriosis and segmental colorectal resections were evaluated. INTERVENTION: From January 2003 through December 2005 we registered all consecutive patients laparoscopically treated for deep endometriosis who also were having segmental bowel resection. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Data analysis included age, weight, body mass index, history of endometriosis, preoperative symptoms, parity, infertility, operative procedures, operating time, conversion, intraoperative and postoperative morbidity, recovery of bladder and bowel function, and discharge from hospital. We report our results in terms of feasibility and short-term morbidity. Radicality was achieved in 91.5% of patients. Laparoconversion occurred in 5 cases (2.6%). Major complications that required repeat operation occurred in 20 cases (10.4%): Nine anastomosis leakages (4.7%), 3 uroperitoneum (1.6%), 4 hemoperitoneum (2.1%), 1 pelvic abscess (0.5%), 1 bowel perforation, 1 intestinal obstruction, and 1 sepsis. Minor complications occurred in 50 patients (26%). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic segmental colorectal resection for endometriosis is feasible and, in hospitals with necessary experience, can be proposed to selected patients who are informed of the risk of complications.     

Predictive Factors for Voiding Dysfunction after Surgery for Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the prognostic value of pre- and perioperative factors for voiding dysfunction after surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE).DesignSingle-center retrospective cohort study.SettingUniversity hospital.PatientsA total of 198 women with DIE in the posterior compartment who underwent surgery and a postoperative bladder scan.InterventionsSurgical resection of the DIE nodule from the dorsal compartment.Measurements and Main ResultsAfter surgery, 41% of the patients initially experienced voiding dysfunction (defined as >100 mL postvoid residual urine volume at second bladder scan). The number decreased to 11% by the time of hospital discharge. Among those with a need for self-catheterization after discharge (n = 17), voiding dysfunction lasted for a median of 41 days before a return to normal bladder function, with a residual urine volume of <100 mL. The preoperative presence of DIE nodules in the ENZIAN compartment B was associated with postoperative voiding dysfunction (p = .001). The hazard ratio for elevated residual urine volume was highest when the disease stage was B3 (hazard ratio 6.43; CI, 2.3–18.2; p <.001), describing a nodule diameter of >3 cm in lateral distension. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that a first residual urine volume >220 mL has a good predictive value for the risk of intermittent self-catheterization (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.893; p <.001).ConclusionPostoperative voiding dysfunction is frequent; of note, in most cases the problem is temporary. When DIE with an ENZIAN classification B is noted intraoperatively and, most of all, when the diameter of the lesion is >3 cm, a higher risk of postoperative voiding dysfunction is to be expected.     

A simplified technique for nerve-sparing type III radical hysterectomy: by reorganizing their surgical sequence, surgeons could more easily identify key nerves

Nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy was developed in an attempt to minimize complications, including bladder, colorectal, and sexual dysfunction which are associated with disruption of the pelvic autonomic nerves during resection of the parametrium. In this article, the author proposes a simple, effective technique for identification and preservation of the pelvic nerves during type III radical hysterectomy. The essential technical considerations include the sequential approach to parametrial resection, starting from the posterior part, the direct visualization of the main nerve trunks at all sites during parametrial resection, and the avoidance of direct manipulation and unnecessary dissection of the nerves. Operative outcomes of 22 patients with cervical or uterine cancer who underwent type III radical hysterectomy from August 2008 to March 2010 were reviewed. Comparing with the earlier method performed at the author's institution, the present technique was associated with an increased proportion of patients who had a postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) under 50 mL at postoperative day 7 (55% vs 27%) and a shorter median duration before this PVR was reached (7 days vs 9 days). The systematic approach proposed in this article would make the nerve-sparing technique for radical hysterectomy more straightforward and applicable to various settings. A thorough understanding of anatomy and adequate surgical skills are always vital components of successful nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy.     

Endométriose vésicale : diagnostic et traitement. À propos d’une série de 24 patientes

ObjectiveThis study aims to show the treatment outcome in women affected by bladder endometriosis.Patients and methodsRetrospective review of records of 24 women with deep vesical endometriosis treated between 1998 and 2007.ResultsAll cases had cyclic symptoms even though they were not specific. A percentage of 66% of women had concomitantly deep nodules of the rectovaginal septum and/or uterosacral ligaments. Five patients (20.8%) had previously undergone a transurethral resection (TUR) of the bladder lesion, but this therapy has failed in all cases. Partial cystectomy was carried out in 14 patients (60.8%) and an extramucosal dissection of the endometriotic lesion in nine patients (39.2%). Laparoscopy was used in 19 cases (82.6%). Recurrence of bladder endometriotic lesions was documented in two patients. This was mainly due to an incomplete initial treatment. Success rate, defined by total improvement of symptoms after the initial treatment, was estimated at 86.7% in this series. The only complication encountered was a pelvic hematoma with bladder compression that required a ureteral cannulation (JJ). Seven patients out of 11 became pregnant; four of them were infertile before the surgical treatment.Discussion and conclusionDiagnosis of bladder endometriosis is often difficult to make because of its non-specific symptoms. The management is mainly surgical and resection should be complete. TUR is not an optimal treatment for bladder endometriosis.     

Keep Your Landmarks Close and the Hypogastric Nerve Closer: An Approach to Nerve-sparing Endometriosis Surgery

ObjectiveExcisional techniques used to surgically treat deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) can result in inadvertent damage to the autonomic nervous system of the pelvis, leading to urinary, anorectal, and sexual dysfunction 1, 2, 3, 4. This educational video illustrates the autonomic neuroanatomy of the pelvis, identifying the predictable location of the hypogastric nerve in relation to other pelvic landmarks, and demonstrates a surgical technique for sparing the hypogastric nerve and inferior hypogastric plexus.DesignUsing didactic schematics and medical drawings, we discuss and illustrate the autonomic neuroanatomy of the pelvis. With annotated laparoscopic footage, we demonstrate a stepwise approach for identifying, dissecting, and preserving the hypogastric nerve during pelvic surgery.SettingTertiary care academic hospitals: Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and S. Orsola Hospital in Bologna, Italy.InterventionsRadical excision of DIE with adequate identification and sparing of the hypogastric nerve and inferior hypogastric plexus bilaterally was performed, following an overview of pelvic neuroanatomy. The superior hypogastric plexus was described and the hypogastric nerve, the most superficial and readily identifiable component of the inferior hypogastric plexus, was identified and used as a landmark to preserve autonomic bundles in the pelvis. The following steps, illustrated with laparoscopic footage, describe a surgical technique developed to identify and preserve the hypogastric nerve and the deeper inferior hypogastric plexus without the need for more extensive pelvic dissection to the level of the sacral nerve roots: (1) transperitoneal identification of the hypogastric nerve, with a pulling maneuver for confirmation; (2) opening of the retroperitoneum at the level of the pelvic brim and retroperitoneal identification of the ureter; (3) medial dissection and identification of the hypogastric nerve; and (4) lateralization of the hypogastric nerve, allowing for safe resection of DIE.ConclusionThe hypogastric nerve follows a predictable course and can be identified, dissected, and spared during pelvic surgery, making it an important landmark for the preservation of pelvic autonomic innervation.