Comprehensive video-assisted laparoscopic approach to treat genital and extragenital endometriosis

Abstract

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory condition in which endometrial glands and stroma are found outside of the endometrium, causing pelvic pain and infertility. The majority of cases are confined to the pelvis, and can be treated either medically or surgically. Video-assisted laparoscopy is the preferred surgical approach, with the goal of restoring normal anatomy and alleviating pelvic pain. Although endometriosis is usually confined to the pelvis, it is also found in the GI tract, urinary tract and thoracic cavity. When endometriosis has spread beyond the genital tract, a high index of suspicion is necessary for diagnosis, and a multidisciplinary approach is often required to treat the disease adequately.