Laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis

Abstract

Endometriosis is a leading cause of pelvic pain and infertility in women. Laparoscopy can both diagnose and treat this disease. The aim of this review was to examine current literature on treatments for endometriosis for both pain and infertility. Evidence supports removal of severe disease, including ovarian endometriomas, for improved pregnancy outcomes. However, for patients that fail initial surgery, in vitro fertilization may yield superior outcomes over repeat surgery. For pelvic pain, surgery has been shown to improve symptoms although there is a significant placebo effect with surgery. Finally, hysterectomy can be offered to women who fail initial conservative surgery.