Long-term complications associated with endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic disease with multiple morbidities. Since its conception, more and more cases are being identified because of awareness and advanced imaging techniques. Nonetheless, despite extensive research, clinicians still face challenges in management of endometriosis with chronic complications. This entity presents with chronic pelvic pain refractory to medical treatment and occurs in 30%–40% of women with endometriosis. Long-standing endometriosis may lead to adhesions formation, internal scarring, and bowel and ureter obstruction. Endometrioma may get complicated by superadded infection resulting in abscess formation. A multidisciplinary approach is required for management of extragonadal endometriosis. Despite advancement of imaging modalities, diagnosis may be missed due to unusual location and presentation. Therefore, one must keep a high index of suspicion. Malignant transformation, although rare, can cause severe morbidity and mortality.