Gynecology & Obstetrics
Open Access

Abstract

Laparoscopic Treatment of Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Affecting the Rectosigmoid Colon: Nodulectomy or Segmental Resection?

William Kondo, Reitan Ribeiro, Carlos Trippia and Monica Tessmann Zomer

Intestinal Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis (DIE) is defined as the lesion infiltrating at least the muscular layer of the bowel and it usually affects the rectosigmoid colon. Medical treatment plays an important role in terms of pain relief in women with such lesions, but has a temporary effect. Surgical treatment is considered the gold standard for symptomatic patients and may be conducted by the means of conservative or radical procedures. The former may be called “nodulectomy” and include the rectal shaving, the mucosal skinning and the full-thickness anterior rectal wall excision/disc resection. The latter is called segmental bowel resection. Each type of procedure has different indications, outcomes, and complications. In this paper, we provide the rationale for the surgical treatment of intestinal DIE affecting the rectosigmoid colon.