Pregnancy outcomes in women with history of surgery for endometriosis

Abstract

Objective: To assess the relationship between history of surgery for endometriosis and adverse obstetrical outcomes.

Design: Retrospective study using prospectively recorded data.

Setting: Referral center.

Patient(s): Total of 569 women with history of surgery for endometriosis, postoperative conception, and pregnancy evolution over 22 weeks of gestation.

Interventions(s): Surgery for endometriosis.

Main outcome measure(s): Small for gestational age (SGA) status of the newborn, spontaneous preterm birth (PT, before 37 weeks' gestation), and placenta previa.

Results: Among 733 pregnancies included in the study, 566 deliveries were recorded (77.2%), of which 535 were singleton (72.9% of pregnancies) and 31 twins (4.2%). SGA was observed in 81 of 535 (15.1%) singleton pregnancies and in 9 of 31 (29%) twin pregnancies. PT occurred in 53 of 535 (9.9%) singleton pregnancies and in 19 of 31 (61.2%) twin pregnancies. The number of singleton and multiple pregnancies complicated by placenta previa were, respectively, 9 of 535 (1.7%) and 0 of 31. The independent factor found to relate to SGA was the absence of endometriomas; conception with the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) only tended toward statistical significance. Independent factors found to increase risk of PT were conception with the use of ART, body mass index >30 kg/m², and surgery of deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum and the bladder. Independent factors associated with placenta previa were conception with the use of ART and history of stage III or IV endometriosis.

Conclusion(s): The risk of SGA and PT is increased in women with a history of surgery for endometriosis, and a high rate of conception with the use of ART may jeopardize outcomes.

Keywords: Endometriosis; placenta previa; pregnancy; preterm birth; small for gestational age.