Laparoscopic treatment of severe endometriosis

Between March 1994 and November 1995 I performed 54 laparoscopic procedures for chronic pelvic pain. Severe (grade 4) endometriosis was found in nine women. Operating time in these women ranged from 90 to 210 minutes and the average hospital stay was 24 hours. The only complication was a colonic-vaginal fistula. I believe that this endoscopic technique can be successful in treating severe endometriosis if the surgeon has experience in both laparoscopic and bowel surgery.