Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America

General surgical guidelines are reasonable, but treatment frequently must be individualized. Laparoscopic coagulation can be used for many cases of superficial endometriosis. Resection seems to be associated with an increased resolution of …

A multicenter collaboration for data collection and statistical analysis may be necessary to establish and validate a classification system based on empirically derived scores for specific pathologic observations. The endometriosis pain ins…

The epidemiologic study of endometriosis presents researchers with unique challenges. As a result, few well-designed studies have been published. The authors briefly describe the primary pathogenic hypotheses, discuss methodologic issues sp…

The diagnosis of peritoneal endometriosis at the time of laparoscopy is often made by the observation of typically puckered black or bluish lesions. There are also numerous subtle appearances of peritoneal endometriosis. The lesions are fre…

A sizeable literature corroborates the multiple health benefits of oral contraceptive use. The first estrogen/progestin combination pills were marketed to treat a variety of menstrual disorders. Although currently used oral contraceptives n…

The efficacy of a multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of chronic pain has been well documented. A recent randomized prospective trial by Peters and co-workers confirmed that multidisciplinary management of chronic pelvic pain resul…

The introduction of SIS has been a significant advance in TVUS evaluation of the endometrial cavity in the 1990s. SIS provides an unparalleled, clear, enhanced view of the endomyometrial complex that cannot be obtained with TVUS alone. Foca…

The treatment of women with endometriosis can be a challenge. Therapeutic strategies must be tailored to the individual symptoms, age, and desire for fertility. Medical therapy continues to be based on endocrine treatment, such as oral cont…

Endometriosis is best regarded as a chronic disease that can vary in symptomatology over time. Endoscopic therapy for relief of pelvic pain as well as infertility is a therapeutic option. The formation of a rational treatment plan before su…

Office laparoscopy under local anesthesia is especially suited to meet the current pressures of quality versus cost in an era of managed care. It is likely that this technique will soon become a major part of the practicing gynecologist's d…

The use of laparoscopic ultrasound probes has been shown to improve outcomes and facilitate surgery for hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers. It is a useful, inexpensive, and safe imaging technique that should also supplement operative lapa…

A more thorough understanding of the mechanisms associated with the cause and pathophysiology of endometriosis may help in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic methods for the management of endometriosis. Research has begun to …

When faced with a disease as baffling and mysterious as endometriosis, there may be a tendency to make up answers where there are none. Unfortunately, this has caused tremendous difficulties in studying the disease and has caused problems f…

The evolution of classification schemes for endometriosis has continued since the 1920s, when initial attempts were made to describe endometriosis. The cause, pathophysiology, and natural history of endometriosis remain difficult to charact…

Diagnosis of endometriosis requires careful interpretation of objective surgical and pathologic findings in the context of the patient's clinical presentation. Clinical assessment helps to identify patients at high risk of endometriosis and…

The effect of natural, environmental, or manufactured substances on endocrine organs is a current topic of discussion. Recently, some toxicants have been suggested to promote endometriosis; therefore, attention has turned to the role of env…

This article summarizes present knowledge about the epidemiology of endometriosis. Surprisingly, little is known about the prevalence or risk factors of endometriosis, given the medical care and employment costs. Knowledge about the epidemi…

This article reviews extrapelvic endometriosis, emphasizing classic papers as well as recent research. Because of the nature of the existing literature, specifically case reports and retrospective analyses, this article is primarily descrip…

Endometriosis is a complex and intriguing disease. If retrograde menstruation normally occurs, then why do all women not develop endometriosis? The exact prevalence of endometriosis is unknown; however, a 20% to 90% prevalency rate has been…

The modern medical management of endometriosis has changed considerably since the first attempts were made to control this disease hormonally over four decades ago. Currently, there are multiple choices for the clinician and patient, includ…

This article reviews the pathogenesis of endometriosis, which involves retrograde dissemination of endometrium and/or development in situ by metaplasia, and there is evidence suggesting that genetic and hormonal factors may play a role. The…

Endometriosis, although associated with a large variety of symptoms, primarily produces pain and infertility; however, the strong correlation with these disorders, along with basic questions as to why endometriosis develops, when does it be…

Surgical resection of endometriosis, previously possible only by means of laparotomy, can now be accomplished through laparoscopic techniques. The requirements for surgery, surgical principles, operative techniques, and results are summariz…

Endometriosis is one of the most-investigated disorders of gynecology. Theories of various aspects of the disease are proposed but rarely are they adequately supported. This article examines several crucial areas in endometriosis investigat…

The addition of endometrial ablation to gynecologic surgical procedures has had a significant impact on the management of intractable menorrhagia. It is an outpatient procedure that causes limited disability to the patient. Although long-te…