Presacral neurectomy for the treatment of pelvic pain associated with endometriosis: a controlled study

Abstract

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of presacral neurectomy combined with conservative surgery for the treatment of pelvic pain associated with endometriosis.

Study design: In a randomized, controlled study performed in a tertiary institution 71 patients with moderate or severe endometriosis and midline dysmenorrhea were randomly assigned to conservative surgery alone (n = 36) or conservative surgery and presacral neurectomy (n = 35). Main outcome measures were relief of dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and deep dyspareunia after surgery according to a multidimensional and an analog pain scale.

Results: Presacral neurectomy markedly reduced the midline component of menstrual pain, but no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in the frequency and severity of dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and dyspareunia in the long-term follow-up. After presacral neurectomy, constipation developed or worsened in 13 patients and urinary urgency occurred in three and a painless first stage of labor in two.

Conclusion: Presacral neurectomy should be combined with conservative surgery for endometriosis only in selected cases.