[The effect of the preliminary treatment of endometriosis on the results of fertilization in vitro (based on data from the Clinique Universitaire de Gynecologie, d'Obstétique et de la Reproduction in the city of Besançon, France)].

UNLABELLED: Thirty-nine women, aged 20 to 40 years, suffering from endometriosis, were treated in three different ways before fertilization in vitro (FIV). Excluded from the trial were all cases of Seventy five stimulated cycles were carried out altogether for the purposes of FIV. The results of the three methods of treatment, in terms of number of pregnancies, obtained after FIV, are compared. RESULTS: First method: surgical treatment. It was applied to 4 patients, suffering from severe endometriosis. The FIV (6 stimulations) give rise only to one pregnancy, interrupted through spontaneous abortion, during the second month. Second method: therapeutic treatment. Applied to 17 patients (mild-7, moderate-7, and severe cases-3). The FIV (32 stimulations) brought 4 pregnancies, run normally to the term, and 2 pregnancies, interrupted through spontaneous abortions. Third method: combined (therapeutic surgical) treatment, applied to 18 patients (mild-3, moderate-9, and severe cases-6). In this group the FIV (37 stimulations) give best results: 9 pregnancies terminated successfully. Three false pregnancies were found (biochemically). No abortion. The possibilities and the restrictions of each method of treatment are discussed. These results are considered as an indication that combined (therapeutic-surgical) treatment is the most appropriate with a view to a successful following FIV.