Women undergoing radical excision of endometriosis (with and without bowel resection) have comparable clinical outcomes, according to a study published in the Annals of Surgery. The study reported only one slight clinical difference between the two patient groups and that complication was associated with bowel resection and reanastomosis.

Researchers evaluated 203 patients with moderate-severe endometriosis. Sixty-seven of the women fell into the moderate category and 136 women fell into the severe category. All women were treated with excision of endometrial tissue, but some women required bowel resection and reanastomosis. Clinical outcomes and pregnancy rates were comparable between the two groups with an overall pregnancy rate of 51% post-excision.

Follow-up showed similar recurrence and retreatment rates as well at one, two and three years. Recurrence rates were 1-, 6- and 8-percent at one, two and three years, respectively. Retreatment rates were 1-, 7- and 10-percent at one, two and three years, respectively.

Minor complications were noted more frequently in women requiring bowel resection and reanastomosis.

Source: Meuleman C, Tomassetti C, Wolthuis A, Van Cleynenbreugel B, Laenen A, Penninckx F, Vergote I, D'Hoore A, D'Hooghe T. Clinical Outcome After Radical Excision of Moderate-Severe Endometriosis With or Without Bowel Resection and Reanastomosis: A Prospective Cohort Study. Ann Surg. 2013 Apr 10.