Abstract
STUDY QUESTION: What does this document on the surgical treatment of endometriosis jointly prepared by the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE), ESHRE, and the World Endometriosis Society (WES) provide? SUMMARY ANSWER: This document provides recommendations covering technical aspects of different methods of surgery for endometriomas in women of reproductive age. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN: Endometriomas (ovarian endometriotic cysts) are a commonly diagnosed form of endometriosis, owing to the relative ease and accuracy of ultrasound diagnosis. They frequently present a clinical dilemma as to whether and how to treat them when found during imaging or incidentally during surgery. Previously published guidelines have provided recommendations based on the best available evidence, but without technical details on the management of endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN SIZE AND DURATION: A working group of ESGE, ESHRE and WES collaborated on writing recommendations on the practical aspects of endometrioma surgery. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING AND METHODS: This document focused on endometrioma surgery. Further documents in this series will provide recommendations for surgery of deep and peritoneal endometriosis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The document presents general recommendations for surgery of endometrioma and specific recommendations for cystectomy, ablation by laser or by plasma energy, electrocoagulation and a combination of these techniques applied together or with an interval between them. LIMITATIONS AND REASONS FOR CAUTION: Owing to the limited evidence available, recommendations are mostly based on clinical expertise. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: These recommendations complement previous guidelines on the management of endometriosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The meetings of the working group were funded by ESGE, ESHRE and WES. CB declares to be a member of the independent data monitoring committee for a clinical study by ObsEva and receiving research grants from Bayer, Roche Diagnostics, MDNA Life Sciences and Volition. ES received honoraria for provision of training to healthcare professionals from Ethicon, Olympus and Gedeon Richter. The other authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.