Evaluation of the Role of Laser Treatment for the Treatment of Pain in Endometriosis

Robert W. Shaw, R W Shaw
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences · 2003 · vol. 997(1) , pp. 240–246 · doi:10.1196/annals.1290.027 · PMID:14644831 · W2015610708
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-07 ⓘ

Laser destruction of endometriosis offers short-term pain relief compared to placebo but has symptom recurrence rates similar to medical treatment and requires further study.

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Abstract

There have been few appropriately conducted trials to evaluate the effectiveness of laser destruction of endometriosis in relieving pain symptoms, yet the techniques are increasingly being used. Laser destruction has been shown to be more effective than the placebo effect of laparoscopy alone in one trial, at least at 6-month follow-up. Longer-term studies suggest increasing recurrence of symptoms with time [23% at 12 months in one study, and 44% by a mean of 19.7 months (5-60) follow-up]. These recurrence rates are similar to those seen following 6 months medical treatment. It is unknown whether laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation (LUNA) in addition to destruction of lesions will produce better results, and appropriate trials are needed in several areas to determine the role of laser therapy.

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Condition tags

mesh:D004715mesh:D017699endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Endometriosis Laser Therapy Pelvic Pain Endometriosis Endometriosis Evaluation Studies as Topic Female Follow-Up Studies Humans Laparoscopy Laparoscopy Laser Therapy Pain Measurement Patient Satisfaction Pelvic Pain Pelvic Pain Recurrence Risk Assessment Severity of Illness Index Treatment Outcome

Citation neighborhood

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