Colonic endometriosis: its clinical spectrum

We have reviewed two cases of colonic endometriosis. The first demonstrates the more frequently encountered symptoms of partial large-bowel obstruction. The second demonstrates the less frequently encountered cyclic rectal bleeding occurring at or near the time of menses. Conventional diagnostic methods may strengthen a preoperative suspicion, but definitive diagnosis rests with exploratory laparotomy. Although hormonal and antigonadotropic agents have their places in therapy, surgical excision remains the choice procedure.