Objective: To present the technique and results of videolaparoscopy and the CO2 laser as a treatment for deep, infiltrative endometriosis of the rectovaginal septum, uterosacral ligaments, pouch of Douglas and anterior wall of the rectosigmoid colon.
Design: Observational study with 1-5 year follow up.
Setting: Sub-specialty practice: Endometriosis clinic and centre for special pelvic surgery.
Subjects: 185 women, aged 25-41 years. All had pelvic endometriosis and were referred because of the failure of previous medical and/or surgical treatment.
Interventions: Vaporization and excision of endometriotic implants and nodules, ureterolysis, ureteric stents, laparoscopic anterior rectal wall resection and reanastomosis, presacral neurectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy and appendicectomy using the CO2 laser.
Main outcome measures: 174 patients were followed for 1-5 years after surgery by office visit questionnaire or telephone interview. Eleven were lost to follow-up.
Results: 175 patients were discharged within 24 h. Nine with bowel perforations and one with a partial bowel resection were discharged 2-4 days postoperatively. Two patients required ureteric stents, which were removed 6 weeks postoperatively without sequelae. 162 women reported moderate to complete pain relief (145 after one procedure, 13 after two and four after three). 12 reported persistent or worse pain following the surgery. Seven eventually underwent total hysterectomy, four had bowel resections and one had a salpingo-oophorectomy. Of 61 with infertility, 25 achieved pregnancy. Postoperative complications included shoulder pain, anterior abdominal wall ecchymosis, urine retention and dyschezia for one to two weeks.
Conclusions: Our experience suggests that rectosigmoid colon and infiltrative rectovaginal septum endometriosis can be effectively treated via videolaparoscopy in the hands of experienced endoscopic gynaecologists.