Laparoscopic rectal resection for severe endometriosis of the mid and low rectum: technique and operative results

Giacomo Ruffo, Alberto Sartori, Stefano Crippa, Stefano Partelli, Giuliano Barugola, Alberto Manzoni, Martin Steinasserer, Luca Minelli, Massimo Falconi
Surgical endoscopy · 2011 · vol. 26(4) , pp. 1035–1040 · doi:10.1007/s00464-011-1991-8 · PMID:22038165 · W2016450597
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06+body, 2026-06-06 ⓘ

This study described operative and postoperative outcomes for 750 patients undergoing laparoscopic mid/low rectal resection for endometriosis, reporting low morbidity and complication rates.

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⚙ AI-generated deep summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-06 · read from full text ⓘ

This single-institution study (2002–2010) evaluated 750 women (median age 33) with deep infiltrating endometriosis involving the mid or low rectum who underwent laparoscopic rectal resection using a standardized technique by a single surgeon. Median operative time was 255 minutes with median blood loss of 150 ml; 7% required blood transfusion, the laparotomy conversion rate was 1.6%, and anastomoses were performed with mechanical low and very low colorectal anastomoses in 92.5% and 7.5% of patients, respectively. Temporary ileostomy was used in 14.5%, with median hospital stay of 8 days; overall surgical morbidity was 9% with no mortality, and anastomotic leak, rectovaginal fistula, and intraabdominal bleeding occurred in 3%, 2%, and 1.2% of cases, respectively, while 5.5% required reoperation. The study’s main limitation is that outcomes reflect experience from a single high-volume surgeon, which may limit generalizability. This paper is centrally about endometriosis — it reports technique and operative outcomes for laparoscopic resection of mid/low rectal endometriosis.

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Abstract

Background Although several studies have shown that laparoscopic resection is safe and feasible in bowel endometriosis, limited data are available on the specific treatment for endometriosis of the rectum. The aim of this study is to describe operative and postoperative outcomes after laparoscopic resection of the mid/low rectum for endometriosis.

Methods

Between 2002 and 2010, 750 patients (median age 33 years) underwent laparoscopic resection of the mid/low rectum for deep infiltrating endometriosis at a single institution. All operations were performed with a standardized technique by a single surgeon.

Results

Median operative time was 255 min, and median blood loss 150 ml. Of patients, 7% required blood transfusions. Laparotomic conversion rate was 1.6%. Mechanical low and very low colorectal anastomoses were carried out in 92.5 and 7.5% of patients, respectively. Temporary ileostomy rate was 14.5%. Median length of stay was 8 days. Overall surgical morbidity was 9% with no mortality. Rates of anastomotic leak, rectovaginal fistula, and intraabdominal bleeding were 3, 2, and 1.2%. Forty patients (5.5%) required reoperation.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic resection of the mid/low rectum for endometriosis can be performed safely with acceptable rates of morbidity/reoperation and with low rates of specific complications, including anastomotic leak and rectovaginal fistula. The very high surgical volume of the operating surgeon is probably one of the most important factors in order to maximize postoperative outcomes. Similar content being viewed by others

References

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Condition tags

mesh:D004715endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Endometriosis Laparoscopy Rectal Diseases Rectum Adult Blood Loss, Surgical Blood Loss, Surgical Blood Transfusion Blood Transfusion Endometriosis Female Humans Laparoscopy Length of Stay Length of Stay Middle Aged Postoperative Complications Postoperative Complications Prospective Studies Rectal Diseases

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