Isolated infiltrative endometriosis of the sciatic nerve: a report of three patients

Abstract

Objective: To report that isolated endometriosis of the sciatic nerve without further manifestation of endometriosis does exist.

Design: We describe our technique of laparoscopic neurolysis of the sciatic nerve and the sacral plexus.

Setting: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, St. Elisabeth Hospital, affiliated with the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.

Patient(s): Three female patients with isolated endometriotic infiltration of the endopelvic portion of the sciatic nerve.

Intervention(s): Elective laparoscopic neurolysis of the sciatic nerve with removal of endometriosis.

Main outcome measure(s): Disparition of pain in the patients and histologic information of the endometriosis.

Result(s): Isolated endometriosis of the sciatic nerve and/or the sacral plexus does exist without any further endometriosis genitalis externa manifestations.

Conclusion(s): In young patients with sciatica of an unknown genesis, an endometriosis of the sciatic nerve must be evoked, and a laparoscopic exploration of the sciatic nerve must be discussed.