Abstract
Endometriosis of urogenital tract organs includes the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within or
encompassing the urethra, the urinary bladder, the ureters, the renal pelvis or the kidney. Traditionally, endometriosis
of the urinary tract had been iterated to be a rare clinical entity with an incidence of 1% to 5.5% in patients with
endometriosis. Nevertheless, some authors had indicated that endometriosis of the urinary tract afflicts the kidney
and urinary tract organs more frequently than had been previously presumed, particularly in the scenario of patients
who have been afflicted by deep infiltrating endometriosis. It had been iterated in a publication previously that
ureteric involvement in of endometriosis had been observed in 14.2% of 315 pa tients with endometriosis. Other
authors in the past had documented a prevalence of urinary tract endometriosis of 19.5% in 221 patients with deep
infiltrating endometriosis. These previous documentations may indicate that that the prevalence of urinary tr act
endometriosis had often been underestimated. In view of the fact that endometriosis of the urethra, urinary bladder,
ureter, and the kidney manifests with non -specific symptoms and signs, the diagnosis and management of urinary
tract endometriosis had remained a challenge. Early diagnosis of endometriosis afflicting the kidney and urinary tract
organs is crucial for the prognosis. When the diagnosis is delayed, endometriosis of the ureter could emanate in the
development of serious complications such as stenosis of the ureter, with hydroureter and hydronephrosis and finally
loss of kidney function. Some cases of endometriosis had tended to be treated with medicaments; nevertheless,
surgery has been regarded as the gold standard in the treatment of patients who had been afflicted by deep infiltrating
endometriosis. Many publications had demonstrated the feasibility, effectiveness, as well as safety of the
laparoscopic approach. In the case of endometriosis of the ureter, the objective of the treatment has tended to be the
release of the ureter from all endometriotic tissue to enable normal function and to avoid morbidity. In the scenario
of ureteric obstruction by endometriosis, some of the initial management options do include insertion of per -
cutaneous nephrostomy or insertion of retrograde ureteric stent to maintain renal function preceding the undertaking
of definite treatment procedures. Some cases of endometriosis of the ureter had been managed by ureterolysis;
nevertheless, it has remained controversial whether ureterolysis is sufficient or whether more invasive methods such
as ureterectomy are necessary to prevent recurrence. Treatment of endometriosis of the urinary has tended to consist
of complete surgical excision of the urinary bladder lesion. So me authors had pointed out that partial cystectomy
does appear to be superior to the undertaking of trans-urethral resection of the urinary bladder lesion demonstrating
lower recurrence rates. With the development of minimal invasive surgical procedures, other options that had recently
been undertaken by some authors and could be undertaken in the future by other clinicians to attain effective initial
Results
include: cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, irreversible electroporation, thermotherapy, and sel ective
angiography and super-selective embolization of the arterial branch supplying the endometriosis lesion if a pathology
examination is obtained from biopsy of the specimen preceding the definitive procedure. The manifesting symptoms
of urogenital endo metriosis are often non -specific. In view of the possibility of serious complications, clinicians
including urologists need to be aware of endometriosis of the kidney and urinary tract organs and its management
options. Establishment of pre-operative diagnosis of endometriosis of the kidney and urinary tract organs might help
in the planning of intra-operative management of the lesion.
Keywords
endometriosis; kidney; renal pelvis; ureter; urinary bladder; urethra; biopsy; histopathology;
radiology image; ultrasound scan; nephrostomy; excision; minimal invasive procedure; laparoscopy
Open Access
Research Article
Clinical Medical Reviews and Reports
Anthony Kodzo-Grey Venyo *
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Introduction
Endometriosis is a terminology that is used for the presence of ectopic
endometrial tissue outside the myometrium. [1] Endometriosis is iterated to
afflict 10% to 15% of premenopausal women, who are aged usually between
30 years and 35 -years. [1] [2] It ha s been stated that the median age for
diagnosis of extragenital lesions is between 35 years and 40 years, which is
about 5 years older than that of genital tract lesions. [1] [3] [4] It has been
pointed out that extra genital endometriosis may afflict any tissue. [1] It has
also been stated that endometriosis afflicting the renal tract is rare and is
usually associated with evidence of previous pelvic endometriosis.
Endometriosis of the kidney and upper urinary tract is very rare. It had been
pointed out th at Marshall [5] had described the first case of renal
endometriosis. [1] It has furthermore, been iterated that less than 25 cases of
renal endometriosis of the kidney had been reported previously in the
literature. [1] Endometriosis of the kidney, and upper urinary tract manifests
with non-specific symptoms and signs and without a high-index of suspicion,
there is a possibility that the diagnosis could be either delayed or the lesion
could be misdiagnosed.
Aim
To update the literature of endometriosis of the kidney and upper urinary
tract organs.
Methods
Internet databases were searched including: Google; google scholar; yahoo;
and PUBMED. The search words that were used included: Endometriosis;
Endometriosis of kidney; Renal endometriosis; endometriosis of renal
pelvis; endometriosis of ureter; and ureteric endometriosis; endometriosis of
bladder; endometriosis of urethra. Seventy -six (76) references were
identified which were used to write the article in two parts: (A) Overview,
and (B) Miscellaneous narrations and discussions from some case reports,
case series, and studies related to endometriosis of the kidney and upper
urinary tract organs.
Results
[1] OVERVIEW
Definition / general statement
• Endometriosis is a terminology that is used for presence of
endometrial tissue outside of the endometrium and myometrium,
consisting of both endometrial glands and stroma. [6]
Essential features
• It has been stated that the essential features of endometriosis
include: ectopically located endometrial tissue consisting of at
least 2 of the following: endometrial type glands, endometrial
type stroma or evidence of chronic haemorrhage. [6]
• Endometriosis is associated with ovarian clear cell carcinoma
and endometrioid carcinoma and shares similar molecular
alterations. [6]
• It had been iterated that endometriosis in patients without cancer
harbours oncogenic mutations
in ARID1A, PIK3CA, KRAS and PPP2R1A, suggesting a
neoplastic nature in some cases [6] [7]
• It has been documented that CD10 immunohistochemistry can
be used to confirm the presence of endometrial stroma. [6]
Terminology
It has been iterated that the ensuing terminologies had been used for
endometriosis: [6]
• Endometriotic cyst / endometrioma: cystic form of
endometriosis
• Atypical endometriosis: endometriosis with cytologic atypia or
crowded glands lined by atypical epithelium resembling
endometrial atypical hyperplasia. [8]
Epidemiology
The epidemiology of endometriosis had been summated as follows: [6]
• Endometriosis afflicts 5% to 15% women of reproductive age.
• The peak incidence of endometriosis is between: 30 years and
45 years of age.
• Oestrogen dependent endometriosis; can rarely affect
individuals who are assigned male at birth taking large doses of
oestrogen. [9]
Sites
The sites of the human body that tend to be affected by endometriosis had
been summated as follows: [6]
• The Ovary (67%) tends to be affected by endometriosis which
tends to be more common or > within the anterior and posterior
cul de sac and which is higher or more common (>) in the
posterior broad ligaments, uterosacral ligaments and more
common of higher t han (>) the uterus > fallopian tubes
> sigmoid colon and appendix > round ligaments. [10]
• It has been stated also that endometriosis is also seen in the
urinary bladder and uterine cervix. [6]
• It had furthermore been iterated that endometriosis is rarely in
remote sites such as the lung, regional lymph nodes or skin. [6]
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of endometriosis had been summated as follows: [6]
• Retrograde menstruation hypothesis: it had been postulated that
endometrial lining cells travel backwards through fallopian tubes
during menses to reach the peritoneal cavity, proliferate and
cause chronic inflammation with formation of adhesions. [11]
• Coelomic metaplasia hypothesis: it had also been postulated that
in endometriosis, metaplastic transformation of coelomic cells
lining the pelvic peritoneum do occur. [12]
• Induction hypothesis: It had also been iterated that the
development of endometriosis ensues a combination of the first
2 theories. [13]
• It had been iterated that in cases of endometriosis, development
of malignant neoplasm occurs in < 1% of cases; 75% of
malignant neoplasms arise in ovarian endometriosis [12]
Aetiology
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The ensuing iteration had been made regarding the aetiology of
endometriosis: [6]
• The development of endometriosis is associated with
Organochlorine pollutant exposure. [14]
Clinical features
The clinical manifestations of endometriosis had been summated to include
the ensuing: [6]
• Pelvic pain. [15]
• Dyspareunia.
• Dysmenorrhea.
• Infertility.
• Rarely, infection or rupture of an endometriotic cyst with ascites
or hemoperitoneum
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of endometriosis had been summated as follows: [6]
• Laparoscopy is required for definitive diagnosis, even though
about 50% laparoscopic biopsy specimens contain microscopic
endometriosis. [16]
• Endometriosis within the pelvis is categorized as superficial
peritoneal, ovarian and deeply infiltrating endometriosis.
Radiology description
The radiology-imaging description of endometriosis had been summated as
follows: [6]
• Ultrasound scan is stated to be mostly used for the assessment of
ovarian endometriotic cysts
• It has been iterated that ultrasound scan of endometriosis
typically demonstrates multilocular cysts with septations and
hyperechoic mural nodules. [6] [17]
Prognostic factors
Factors of prognostication associated with endometriosis had been
summated as follows: [6]
• In the scenario of endometriosis, the risk of development of
malignant neoplasm is estimated at 1% for premenopausal
women and up to 2.5% for postmenopausal women
• About 75% of neoplasms complicating endometriosis are stated
to arise within the ovary; most common extraovarian site is
rectovaginal septum. [6]
o It has been iterated that there is an increased risk of
endometrioid carcinoma followed by clear cell
carcinoma [18]
o Other associated neoplasms noted with endometriosis
had been stated to include: seromucinous neoplasms
(mainly borderline), endometrioid adenofibromas and
borderline neoplasms, adenosarcomas and
endometrial stromal sarcomas. [19]
• It had been stated that women with carcinoma arising within
endometriosis tend to be premenopausal, obese and with history
of unopposed oestrogens. [20]
• It had been documented that endometriosis associated
carcinomas (other than clear cell) tend to be lower grade and
stage than similar ovarian carcinoma without associated
endometriosis. [21]
Treatment
The treatment of endometriosis had been stated to include the ensuing: [6]
• Endometriosis associated pain is stated to be treated with non -
steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormonal
contraceptives, GnRH analogues and aromatase inhibitors. [15]
• Surgical resection of the endometriosis lesion. [6]
Gross description
Macroscopy examination features of endometriosis had been summated as
follows: [6]
• Ovarian endometriotic cysts (endometriomas) are stated to have
fibrotic walls, a smooth lining and dark brown cyst contents
(chocolate cyst), often adherent to adjacent organs. [6]
• Polypoid endometriosis is stated to have a polypoid
configuration that raises the differential diagnosis of a neoplasm
on gross and intraoperative examination. [22]
• Macroscopy examination of specimens of endometriosis had
been stated to demonstrate the ensuing: Red, brown, white
plaques, sometimes with a gelatinous appearance [6] [15] [23]
Frozen section description
Frozen section examination features of specimens containing
endometriosis had been summated as follows: [6]
• Cytology examination of specimens containing endometriosis is
stated to demonstrate presence of endometrial glands or
endometrial stroma [23]
o It has been iterated that sometimes only macrophages
and hemosiderin are present or found (and hence the
pathologist undertakes the diagnosis as consistent with
clinical impression of endometriosis, as other causes
are possible)
• Cytology examination of specimens of endometriosis could
demonstrated an association of endometriosis with fibrous
adhesions. [6]
• Cytology examination of specimens containing endometriosis
may be negative for neoplastic features such as glandular
complexity. [6]
Microscopic (histologic) description
The microscopy pathology examination features of specimens of
endometriosis had been summated as follows: [6]
• At least 2 of the following 3 features should be demonstrated
upon microscopy pathology examination of specimens of
endometriosis including: [6]
o Endometrial type glands
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▪ Müllerian type epithelium (can be atrophic
to cycling endometrium)
▪ Can show degenerative atypia (enlarged
smudgy nuclei) or metaplasia
o Endometrial type stroma
▪ Often contains fine capillary network
▪ May undergo smooth muscle metaplasia,
fibrosis (longstanding), decidual change
▪ May be myxoid (particularly in pregnancy)
▪ Stroma may be the only identifiable
component (stromal endometriosis)
o Evidence of chronic haemorrhage (hemosiderin laden
or foamy macrophages)
• Other rare findings that tend to be found upon microscopy
pathology examination of specimens of endometriosis include
the ensuing: [6]
o Necrotic pseudoxanthomatous nodules: central
necrosis surrounded by histiocytes and outer fibrous
zone.
o Liesegang rings: eosinophilic acellular rings within
necrotic tissue. [19]
o Burnt out endometriosis: this term has been proposed
for changes suggestive of endometriosis, such as
central necrosis with surrounding fibrosis and
pseudoxanthoma cells but lacking confirmatory
features as listed above. [6]
o Atypical endometriosis: this has been reported in 1.7 -
4.4% of endometriotic lesions and is considered the
precursor lesion for endometriosis associated
carcinomas (clear cell or endometrioid); may be in
continuity with these tumours. [6]
▪ Includes crowded glands lined by atypical
epithelium resembling endometrial atypical
hyperplasia; nuclear atypia is typically
moderate or severe, with hob -nailing. [24]
[25] [26]
▪ Endometriosis is stated to be associated with
synchronous / subsequent neoplasia in 25%
of cases and harbours genomic alterations
seen in endometriosis associated tumours.
[26]
Cytology description
Some of the cytology descriptions of endometriosis that had been reported
in various structures had been summated as follows: [6]
• Cytology examination features of endometriosis had been
reported within peritoneal fluid and fine needle aspiration of scar
tissue following gynaecological procedure (for example: in
caesarean section specimens) [27]
• Variably sized, 3 dimensional spherules with periphery of
polygonal endometrial cells with larger, hyperchromatic nuclei
and moderate amount of cytoplasm, often with a centre of
stromal cells with hyperchromatic nuclei, scant cytoplasm and
indistinct cytoplasmic borders had been demonstrated in
specimens of endometriosis upon cytology examination in some
tissues. [28]
• Cytology examination of specimens containing endometriosis
may demonstrate admixed hemosiderin laden macrophages. [6]
Positive stains
It has been stated that immunohistochemistry staining studies of specimens
of endometriosis demonstrates positive staining for the ensuing tumour
markers: [6]
• CD10 is documented or identified to be is positive in
endometrial stroma. [6]
• ER, PR, and PAX2 are documented to be often positive within
endometrial glands and stroma in cases of endometriosis. [6]
[29]
Molecular / cytogenetics description
Molecular / cytogenetics features of endometriosis had been summated as
follows: [6]
• Endometriosis and synchronous carcinoma are stated to share
similar genetic alterations
including ARID1A, PTEN and PIK3CA. [6]
• Mutations in ARID1A, a tumour suppressor gene, had been
stated to be identified in up to 57% of ovarian endometrioid
carcinoma and up to 30% of clear cell carcinoma. [6]
o Multiple studies had suggested ARID1A mutation
occurs at early stage of canceration of endometriosis.
[30]
o It had been iterated that endometriosis occurring
distant from ARID1A deficient carcinomas are more
likely to retain ARID1A expression. [6]
• Other associated genetic alterations in cases of endometriosis
had been documented to include loss of BAF250a, ER and PR
and upregulation of hepatocyte nuclear factor - beta and SKP2.
[6]
• It had been pointed out that in one study, loss of DNA mismatch
repair protein expression was found in 10% of patients with
endometriosis associated ovarian carcinoma. [31]
Differential diagnoses
Differential diagnoses of endometriosis afflicting some organs had been
summated as follows: [6]
• Endocervicosis:
o Glandular component is endocervical mucinous type,
no endometrial stroma, no haemorrhage. [6]
• Endosalpingiosis:
o Glandular component is tubal (ciliated with peg /
intercalated) cells, no endometrial stroma, no
haemorrhage. [6]
• Adenomyosia: [6]
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o Endometrial glands and stroma are found within the
myometrium
• Endometrioid adenocarcinoma: [6]
o Complex glandular growth and cytologic atypia
• Metastatic carcinoma:
o It had been pointed out that the morphology varies by
site of origin of the metastatic carcinoma;
nevertheless, no endometrial stroma is found in cases
of metastatic carcinoma. [6]
o Other features of neoplasm are noted to be present,
including crowded irregular glands, nuclear atypia or
elevated mitotic activity. [6]
[B] Miscellaneous Narrations And Discussions From Some Case
Reports, Case Series, And Studies Related To Endometriosis Of The
Kidney And Urinary Tract Organs
[1] reported a-38-year-old-woman mother of 2 children, who was diagnosed
to have thyrotoxicosis 3 months earlier and who was on carbimazole. She
manifested with abdominal pain of 2 months duration and she was found to
have left ovarian mass that measured 15 cm x 12 cm x 6 cm in size. Prior to
her admission she underwent exploratory laparotomy with bilateral salpingo-
oophorectomy and she was referred to the urology team for further
management with the surgical specimen. She did not have any menstrual
irregularities, dysmenorrhea or urinary symptoms. On examination, she was
found to be toxic, sick looking, febrile and she had a pulse rate of 102/min,
blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg, and body mass index of 12.4 kg/m2. She had
a grade II goitre without any pressure symptoms. Her systemic examination
was noted to be unremarkable except for the finding of a lower midline scar
over her abdomen, which was infected with an intra-abdominal swelling. The
Results
of her laboratory test examinations demonstrated a hemoglobin of 11
gm/dl, total leukocyte count of 12,000/mm, creatinine 1.33 mg/dl. Her urine
routine examination revealed 12 -14 pus cells per high power fields and the
urine culture grew Escherichia coli. Her T3, T4 and thyrotropin were 2.56
ng/dl [0.6-1.81], 135 ng/dl (45-109), and 0.04 µIU/ml (0.35-5.5). Her thyroid
microsomal antibody was positive. A 99mTc -scintigraphy of thyroid and
whole-body iodine scan demonstrated diffusely increased uptake of tracer in
the thyroid bed. A contrast enhanced CT scan of the abdo men was
undertaken to look for intra -abdominal collections which demonstrated an
enlarged right kidney with a multiple focal -hypodense lesions of varying
sizes (5-10 mm) (see Figure 1), and bilateral inflammatory collections in the
adnexal area. The right ureter and pelvis-caliceal system were dilated up to
the lower end. The surgical specimen of ovary and fine needle aspiration
cytology (FNAC) from hypodense areas of kidney showed evidence of
endometriosis (Figure 2). She was administered parenteral antibi otics and
she underwent pigtail drainage of intraabdominal collection. Subsequently,
she received 5 mci of 131I. During her post -operative 6 weeks follow -up
assessment she was found to be euthyroid. An intravenous pyelography was
undertaken, and no ureteri c obstruction was identified. Danazol of 400gms
were orally administered and she was responding very well.
Table 1: Incidence of extra-genital endometriosis at different sites. Reproduced from [1] Under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
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Figure 1: Contrast enhanced Ct scan of the abdomen showing multiple hypodense areas in the right kidney. Reproduced from [1] Under the Creative
Commons Attribution License.
Figure 2: Photomicrograph showing cluster of tubular epithelial cells in a background containing many scattered foamy histiocytes some of which
contain hemosiderin. (hematoxylin & eosin x 360). Reproduced from [1] Under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
[1] made the ensuing discussing iterations:
• Extragenital endometriosis is relatively uncommon.
• The lesions may be found within the intestines, urinary tract,
abdominal scars, thorax, umbilicus, and the kidneys in that order
(see Table 1). [4]
• Genitourinary endometriosis is rare and commonly afflicts the
female between 25 years and 40 years.
• It had been stated that urinary bladder is the most site to be
involved followed by ureters, kidney, urethra and prostate
occurring with a ratio of 40:4:1:1. [5] [32]
• Various postulates had been proposed to explain the occurrence
of endometriosis in the extra genital sites.
• Considerable evidence had supported the migratory theory,
which suggests that endometrial tissue elements originate within
the uterine mucosa and reach an ectopic position by direct
invasion, implantation or metastasis. [33]
• More recent evidence had indicated that endometriosis is caused
by transplantation of viable endometrial fragments which are
shed during menses that are regurgitated through the fallopian
tubes due to the influence of prostaglandin mediated uterine
contractions. [34
• Factors that increase the incidence of endometriosis are stated to
be those that cause relative uterine outflow obstruction. This
postulate could explain the occurrence of renal endometriosis by
hematogenous metastatic spread. [35] Nevertheless, no such
factors were operative in their reported case.
• Many clinical observers had indicated that endometriosis is
oestrogen dependent. Any intervention that decreases oestrogen
production typically decreases the extent of endometriosis and
oophorectomy is stated to be usually curative. [36]
• Even though, literature review had suggested that renal
endometriosis is usually associated with previous pelvic
endometriosis, in their case they were almost concurrent and
diagnosed coincidentally during the evaluation of postoperative
intraabdominal collection.
• The other major postulate to explain their case is the coelomic
metaplasia theory. During early embryo genesis, coelomic
membrane related cells were disintegrated into the developing
kidneys and subsequently stimulated by increased rate of
conversion of androgens to oestrogens due to a thyrotoxicosis
state.
• In thyrotoxicosis, free oestradiol is decreased and its tissue
metabolism is increased, which possibly led to silent disease for
a long time in their reported case.
• The common manifestations of endometriosis of the kidney are
local pain and rarely cyclical visible haematuria, which is more
common with ureteric and urinary bladder endometriosis. It
usually comes insidiously and might manifest for many years
before the diagnosis established.
• Sometimes the endometriosis lesion may be totally
asymptomatic as happened in their case.
• Many cases in the literature were diagnosed upon histopathology
examination of kidneys which were removed for presumed renal
cell carcinoma. [36] [37]
• Nevertheless, in view of the wider use of FNAC this type of
situation would come down in the future.
• Long standing pain from urinary tract and a poor response to
common treatments should raise the possibility of endometriosis
particularly in women who have had a history of endometriosis,
or if the lesions are within the utero -sacral, cardinal ligaments,
the ovaries and the pelvic wall. [4]
• Literature has been scant and unhelpful for the treatment of
renal endometriosis.
• The choice of therapy depends upon the condition of kidney, the
severity of symptoms, the extent of the disease, the age of the
patient and whether further pregnancy is planned. [37]
• Their reported patient has already completed her family, and
there was no disturbance of kidney function, a total abdominal
hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy had already
been undertaken. Hence, she was put on hormonal manipulation
with danazol. The lesions regressed slowly.
• During treatment of endometriosis of the kidney, renal function
should be closely monitored by clinicians and periodic
radiology-imaging should be undertaken to look for regression
of lesions. If ovarian inactivation is insufficient, the disease part
is usually resected.
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• Electro coagulation of smaller lesions is not recommended, as
the endometrial tissue grows all the way.
Dutta et al. [1] made the ensuing conclusions:
• Endometriosis of kidney is a rare manifestation of a common
disease.
• A high index of suspicion is necessary in order to avoid the
undertaking of unnecessary nephrectomy.
Ponticelli et al. [38] made the ensuing iterations:
• Little attention had been paid by the renal literature to
endometriosis of the ureter, which is a rare and silent disorder
that could eventually emanate in the development of renal
failure.
• In endometriosis, the involvement of the ureter could be limited
to a single ureter, more often the left one, or both ureters with
consequent urine tract obstruction and ureterohydronephrosis.
• In the majority of cases, the ureteric obstruction is caused by
endometrial tissue encompassing the ureter (extrinsic ureteral
endometriosis).
• In the remaining cases, endometrial cells are located within the
ureter (intrinsic ureteral endometriosis).
• Progressive ureteric obstruction of endometriosis could be
insidious in onset and could ultimately lead to renal failure if a
correct diagnosis is missed.
• The true incidence of renal failure that is caused by
endometriosis is completely not known, even though cases had
been reported in the literature.
• The diagnosis of endometriosis of the ureter is difficult in view
of the fact the disease may be clinically silent or associated with
non-specific symptoms.
• Only a high index of suspicion and radiology -image support
might help to obtain an early diagnosis. Nevertheless, while
radiology renal imaging is useful in the cases of extrinsic
endometriosis, the diagnosis of intrinsic endometriosis often
requires the undertaking of ureteroscopy or laparoscopy.
• The prognosis of endometriosis of the ureter depends upon the
time of diagnosis.
• In too many cases of bilateral obstruction, the patient is referred
to the nephrologist in view of an advanced, irreversible renal
failure.
• Even though some patients may benefit from progestin or anti -
arotamase therapy, in most cases of ureteric endometriosis
surgery is needed, laparoscopy surgery being preferred today to
laparotomy.
Nezhat et al. [39] made the ensuing iterations:
• Ureteral endometriosis, albeit rare, could be complicated by
potential loss of renal function.
• A laparoscopic approach to treatment is based upon the extent of
the disease and its localization.
• Endometriosis of the ureter is a serious localization of disease
burden which could lead to urinary tract obstruction, with
subsequent hydroureter, hydronephrosis, and potential kidney
loss.
• Diagnosis of endometriosis of the ureter is elusive and relies
heavily upon clinical suspicion as ureteral endometriosis can
occur with both minimal and extensive disease.
• Surgical technique to treatment varies, but the goal is to salvage
renal function and decrease disease burden.
Nezhat et al. [39] reported 3 cases of endometriosis of the ureter in which
there was documentation of renal atrophy and function loss with subsequent
workup and surgical intervention. Nezhat et al. [39] stated that the cases had
illustrated varying surgic al approaches tailored to localization of ureteral
endometriosis. All cases were carried out laparoscopically. Nezhat et al. [39]
made the ensuing conclusions:
• Endometriosis of the ureter, albeit rare, could be complicated
by potential loss of renal function.
• Clinical suspicion and pre -operative assessment might help
with diagnosis and enables for a multidisciplinary pre -
consultation.
• Laparoscopic surgical approach is based upon the extent of
the disease and localization and could be carried out
successfully in the hands of a highly experienced
laparoscopic surgeon.
Cheng et al. [40] reported a 53 -year-old Chinese premenopausal woman,
who had manifested with intermittent right flank pain for many years. She
had radiology -imaging studies, which demonstrated a contracted non -
functioning right kidney and a perinephric ab scess. The contracted kidney
was adjudged to have resulted from chronic pyelonephritis. The abscess was
drained. The patient subsequently underwent a right nephrectomy.
Histopathology examination of the nephrectomy specimen revealed
endometriosis of renal parenchyma in addition to xanthogranulomatous
pyelonephritis and a perinephric abscess. No evidence of endometriosis was
identified within the pelvic site. The patient was symptom -free pursuant to
the operation. Cheng et al. [40] made the ensuing conclusions:
• Endometriosis is a common benign condition in women of
reproductive age which is typified by the presence of
endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity, which
afflicts either genital or extragenital sites.
• Involvement of the urinary tract by endometriosis is rare.
• Among the urinary tract endometriosis, only a few cases had
been reported to involve the kidney.
• Endometriosis of the kidney is difficult to diagnose; a final
diagnosis of endometriosis relies upon the histopathology
examination findings.
• Treatment of endometriosis involves hormonal manipulation or
a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
• Whether a is nephrectomy required depends upon the level of
renal function. #
• Even though extremely rare, renal endometriosis should be part
of the differential diagnostic spectrum when a contracted, non -
functioning kidney is found.
• Early diagnosis might have prevented the undertaking of an
unnecessary nephrectomy in cases of uncomplicated renal
endometriosis.
Horn et al. [41] stated the following:
• Urinary tract endometriosis is rare and occurs in about 1% of all
endometriotic lesions.
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• About 30% of patients suffer from reduced kidney function at
the time of diagnosis.
Horn et al. [41] reported a 49 -year-old woman, who had manifested with a
history of abdominal hysterectomy without adnexae because of uterus
myomatosus without any signs of endometriosis 6 years earlier. She six years
subsequently complained of dysuria and intermittent left loin pain. She had
ultrasound scan and retrograde pyelography which demonstrated incomplete
ureteric obstruction and her scintigraphy demonstrated a partial loss of
kidney function. Intraoperatively frozen section histology examination a nd
final histopathology examination demonstrated a tumorlike intrinsic form of
ureteral endometriosis engulfing the left ureter. The patient was treated with
uretero-ureterostomy and danazole for preventing recurrence. She was well
28 months post-operatively. Horn et al. [41] made the ensuing conclusion:
• In the extrinsic form (of about 75% of all cases), endometriosis
of the ureter is localised to the adventitia or surrounding
connective tissue of the ureter, whereas the intrinsic form of
ureteral endometriosis is very rare and more often needs
aggressive surgery.
Chen et al. [42] stated that endometriosis, mainly occurs in female pelvic
organs and that endometriosis in the kidney is extremely rare. Chen et al.
[42] reported a case of a 19-year-old girl who had occasional mild abdominal
pain that was associated with an ectopic left kidney. She had SPECT -CT
scan which showed no abnormal radioactive distribution in the left pelvis,
indicating loss of function of the ectopic kidney. Laparoscopic left ectopic
kidney resection was subsequently undertaken. Histopathology examination
of the excised specimen revealed endometriosis of the ectopic left kidney.
Chen et al. [42] concluded that:
• In female patients with clinical manifestations of abdominal pain
and visible haematuria, the possibility of renal endometriosis
should be considered.
Giambelluca et al. [43] made the ensuing iterations:
• Endometriosis is a common gynaecological disorder typified by
ectopic endometrial tissue growth outside the uterine cavity.
• Even though usually occurring within pelvic organs, endometrial
lesions might involve the urinary tract.
• Endometriosis of the kidney is extremely rare and it has only
occasionally been reported in the past.
Giambelluca et al. [43] reported two cases of patients with renal cystic
lesions, which were incidentally found by radiology imaging techniques
during oncologic follow -up for gastric sarcoma and melanoma, which was
initially misinterpreted as complicated h aemorrhagic cysts and then
histologically characterized as renal localizations of extragenital
endometriosis. Giambelluca et al. [43] made the ensuing discussions and
Conclusions
• Their cases were two examples of asymptomatic patients with
history of ovarian endometriosis and incidental detection of
renal endometriotic lesions, subsequently histopathological
examined.
• These patients do not need any therapy for renal lesions being
asymptomatic and unchanged on the subsequent imaging
examinations.
• From literature data most of the previously reported examples of
endometriosis of kidney were found in symptomatic patients.
• Renal endometriosis is a rare entity which may be asymptomatic
or clinically controversial and the diagnosis is possible only in
presence of an appropriate clinicaassessment.
• CECT and MR might be helpful in staging the disease process
and for differential diagnosis from other blood containing
lesions, even though definitive diagnosis requires histology
examination confirmation by identifying endometrial glands and
stroma within the renal lesions.
Katsikasos et al. [44] stated that renal endometriosis is an uncommon
disorder of cases of urinary tract endometriosis. Katsikatsos et al. [44]
reported a-42-year-old woman, who presented at their outpatient department
with an incidental painless mass upon her left hypoplastic kidney which was
demonstrated on an abdominal ultrasound scan. She had abdominal and
pelvic examinations which revealed no abnormal findings. She had a
computed tomography (CT) scan which showed an anterolateral slightly
enhanced left renal mass which measured 1.2 cm in diameter. In addition,
the CT scan did not reveal any evidence of abdominal or thoracic metastasis.
Katsikatsos et al. [44] stated also that there were a few case reports in the
literature of tumours in specimens from p atients who had undergone
nephrectomy for hypoplastic kidneys, but discriminating between benign
and malignant masses is difficult unless a nephrectomy is undertaken. Given
the radiological findings and the impaired function of the hypoplastic kidney,
laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was recommended. The procedure was
undertaken under general anaesthesia without intraoperative or postoperative
complications. Microscopy examination of the excised specimen revealed
many findings that were consistent with a di agnosis of renal endometriosis.
The patient had no symptoms during her last follow -up visit. Katsikatsos et
al. [44] concluded that:
• The case had highlighted that renal endometriosis can simulate
renal cell carcinoma and awareness of this entity should be
raised, as it could be asymptomatic, especially when located in a
hypoplastic kidney.
Huang et al. [45] undertook a study to determine the risk of chronic kidney
disease (CKD) among women with endometriosis in Taiwan. Huang et al.
[45] undertook a retrospective cohort study using the National Health
Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. Huang et al. [45] selected a total of
27,973 women with a diagnosis of endometriosis and 27,973 multivariable -
matched controls (1:1) from 2000 to 2010. Huang et al. [45] reported that
Cox regression and computed hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence
intervals (95% CI) were utilised to determine the risk of CKD among women
with endometriosis. Huang et al. [45] summated the results as follows:
• The incidence rates (IR, per 10,000 person -years) of CKD
among women with and without endometriosis were 4.64 and
7.01, respectively, with a significantly decreased risk of CKD
(crude HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.53 –0.81; adjusted HR 0.69, 95% CI
0.56–0.86) among women with endometriosis.
• The IR of CKD progressively had increased with age, but the
trend of lower CKD risk among women with endometriosis was
found to be consistent.
• Nevertheless, the lower risk of CKD in women with
endometriosis was no longer statistically significant after
adjusting for menopausal status (adjusted HR 0.85, 95% CI
0.65–1.10).
Huang et al. [45] made the ensuing conclusions:
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• The results had suggested that endometriosis is inversely
associated with CKD, but this effect was mediated by
menopause.
• The possible mechanism of this association is worthy of further
evaluation.
Gagnon et al. [46] reported a 27‐year‐old woman, who was known to have a
solitary left kidney since the age of 17 years. In her early 20s she was
investigated for recurrent lower abdominal pain that was related to her
menstrual periods. At the age of 25 years (in 1997), her pain within the right
inguinal area was explored surgically, and endometriosis within the
proximity of the round ligament was found and excised. Her cyclic pelvic
pain was investigated further and a laparoscopy demonstrated endometriosis
within the Douglas pouch. The patient was also known to have a bicornuate
uterus, which was considered to be a risk factor for endometriosis. While
waiting for definitive surgery of pelvic endometriosis (in December 1997),
she manifested with recurrent episodes of fever, anorexia, nausea and fatigue
accompanied by pelvic pain beginning in the middle of her menstrual periods
and lasting for a few days afterwards. She had noted progressive polyuria
and nocturia. She came to medical attention in April 1998, d uring a more
severe cyclic episode in which she manifested with vomiting and headache.
She was found to be severely hypertensive (blood pressure 200/120) with an
elevated serum creatinine at 201 μmol/l (baseline value of 89 μmol/l in
1989). An ultrasound w as undertaken which showed hydronephrosis of the
solitary left kidney with hydroureter. A retrograde pyelogram was
undertaken which demonstrated severe obstruction of the distal ureter of the
solitary kidney. A double J catheter was advanced with difficulty into the left
ureter through the tight distal stenosis. Her clinical symptoms corrected
readily together with improvement in her serum creatinine level.
Alhindawi et al. [47] made the ensuing iterations:
• Ureteral endometriosis commonly manifests with non -specific
symptoms or no symptoms.
• Diagnostic challenges are multifactorial but they essentially are
caused by diagnostic delay due to the silent nature of the disease.
• Management of endometriosis of the ureter requires a
multidisciplinary approach to optimise the outcome.
Alhindawi et al. [47] reported a 29 -year-old woman, who presented with
severe deep infiltrating endometriosis resulting in bilateral hydronephrosis
and loss of left kidney function. She underwent laparoscopic excision of deep
infiltrating endometriosis, ur eterolysis, bowel resection and colostomy
formation. Eventually the left non -functional kidney required
nephrectomy. Alhindawi et al. [47] made the ensuing conclusions:
• The presence of posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis with
uterosacral involvement should increase clinical suspicion of
ureteral endometriosis and trigger targeted investigations.
• The best outcome is achieved by the individualisation of
patient’s care.
Carmignani et al. [48] assessed whether routine renal ultrasound scan may
be recommended in all patients with pelvic endometriosis, in order to avoid
silent ureteral involvement of the disease. Carmignani et al. [48] undertook
a retrospective descriptive s tudy on seven hundred and fifty patients with a
primary diagnosis of endometriosis, between January 2005 and July 2007.
Routine urinary ultrasound; recording of patient history, signs, and
symptoms; gynecologic examination; blood and urinary analyses; magn etic
resonance imaging; spiral multi -slice computerized tomography, were
undertaken. Carmignani et al. [48] summated the results as follows:
• Twenty-three patients (3%) of all 750 patients with
endometriosis had associated ureterohydronephrosis which were
diagnosed at renal ultrasound.
• Symptoms secondary to ureteric and renal involvement were
present in 10 patients (43.5%); 6 patients reported lumbar pain
(26.1%) and 4 patients (17.4%) had renal colic.
Carmignani et al. [48] made the ensuing conclusion(s):
• In their study, the high number (56.5%) of asymptomatic ureteral
involvement in patients with known pelvic endometriosis
seemed to warrant the need for further investigations regarding
the possibility to avoid the high percentage of silent renal losses.
• Unfortunately, there appeared to be no specific risk factor to
allow for early suspicion nor a validated preventive diagnostic
and therapeutic program.
• It had remained to be evaluated whether urinary ultrasound
ensures a beneficial cost-benefit ratio if undertaken on a routine
basis.
Arrieta Bretón et al. [49] reported on the impact that urinary tract
endometriosis may have on renal function. They stated that ureteral
endometriosis is an uncommon and a silent cause of renal injury as well as
that it is therefore very important to be highly suspicious in order to be able
to make an early diagnosis and thus prevent renal failure. Arrieta Bretón et
al. [49] reported on cases documenting on the management and outcome of
three cases of premenopausal women with deep endometriosis affecting th e
ureter, associated with secondary unilateral complete loss of renal function.
Arrieta Bretón et al. [49] summated the results with conclusions as follows:
• Ureteral involvement by endometriosis is a rare and often silent
disease which is capable of producing significant morbidity, as
it could lead to the development of hydronephrosis and
ultimately to renal failure.
• Due to the lack of specific symptoms and the limitations of
radiology-imaging methods, a high index of suspicion is
necessary in order to obtain an early diagnosis.
• On diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis, urinary tract
ultrasound scan is a screening tool to identify
ureterohydronephrosis due to ureteral obstruction.
• MRI scan is of value to map the extent of disease.
• Surgery is the therapy of choice to remove endometriotic lesions
and relieve ureteral obstruction if the kidney is still functional,
or to undertake a nephrectomy if there is a complete loss of renal
function.
Langebrekke and Qvigstad [50] made the ensuing iterations:
• Ureteral endometriosis is associated with deep endometriosis
and is relatively uncommon.
• In some patients, progressive obstruction of the lower part of the
ureter might develop, with silent loss of kidney function as a
consequence.
Langebrekke and Qvigstad [50] reported on three patients with loss of renal
function, in whom different pathogenic mechanisms probably were the
decisive cause. Langebrekke and Qvigstad [50] stated the following:
• Failure to diagnose deep endometriosis with ureteric
involvement, misinterpretation of hydroureter at magnetic
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resonance imaging and lack of typical symptoms could all be
reasons for development of loss of renal function.
• With only one functional kidney, these patients should be
followed-up closely with the undertaking of kidney function
tests and ultrasound scan, and in certain cases also by magnetic
resonance imaging scan or renal scintigraphy.
Yohannes [51] undertook a comprehensive literature review of reports on
the diagnosis and management of ureteral endometriosis was performed
using MEDLINE. Yohannes [51] summated the results as follows:
• Ureteral endometriosis is a rare disease.
• Most cases manifest with silent obstruction, as opposed to
cyclical haematuria.
• The diagnosis of endometriosis of the ureter requires a high
index of suspicion.
• A variety of diagnostic tests could help identify the extent of
disease and the degree of renal function on the side of ureteric
involvement.
Yohannes [51] made the ensuing conclusions:
• Ureteral endometriosis could be treated with hormones or
surgical intervention.
• While surgery is reserved for hormone refractory cases and
obstruction associated with extensive scarring, the majority of
cases could be managed with hormones only.
• A combination of hormones and surgery is also effective.
• Surveillance for obstructive uropathy with periodic non-invasive
monitoring of renal function is currently recommended for all
patients with endometriosis.
Pérez et al. [52] undertook a retrospective analysis of 12 cases of urinary
tract endometriosis diagnosed from 1993 to 2008. Pérez et al. [52] summated
the results as follows:
• The mean patient age was 37.75 years.
• Out of the 12 patients, 5 had urinary bladder involvement and 7
had ureteric involvement, 2 bilateral, 2 left, and 3 right.
• In those with urinary bladder endometriosis, the diagnosis was
made by cystoscopy and biopsy in 4 patients.
• The treatment consisted of laparoscopic hysterectomy and
partial cystectomy in 1 patient and exploratory laparotomy,
trans-vesical resection, and transurethral resection of the bladder
in 3 patients.
• One of the patients who underwent transurethral resection of the
urinary bladder lesion experienced 2 relapses. The first relapse
was treated with transurethral resection of the urinary bladder
lesion and the second with laparoscopic partial cystectomy.
• In the patients with ureteric endometriosis, the diagnosis was
mainly established by magnetic resonance imaging scan.
• The treatment consisted of ureteroneocystostomy in 5 patients
(bilateral in 1) and laparoscopic ureterolysis in 2, with later
ureteric lesion resection and end -to-end anastomosis in 1 of
them.
• The patient who underwent bilateral ureteroneocystostomy
finally required right auto -transplantation in view of early
ureteral relapses.
Pérez et al. [52] made the ensuing conclusions:
• Urinary tract endometriosis is an uncommon pathology finding.
• Surgery is the treatment of choice.
• They believe partial cystectomy should be considered as an
initial option in selected cases, depending upon the extent and
location of lesions.
• For cases of endometriosis of the ureter, the initial technique
depends upon the location and depth of the lesion.
Knabben et al. [53] analysed the prevalence of urinary tract endometriosis
(UTE) in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) in order to
define potential criteria for preoperative workup. Knabben et al. [53]
undertook a retrospective study of si x hundred and ninety -seven patients
with endometriosis who underwent excision of all endometriotic lesions.
Knabben et al. [53] undertook a correlation of preoperative features and
intraoperative findings in patients who had UTE. Knabben et al. [53]
summated the result(s) as follows:
• Out of 213 patients presenting DIE, 52.6% had suffered from
UTE.
• In patients who had ureteric endometriosis, the manifesting
symptoms were not specific.
• Among the patients with urinary bladder endometriosis, 68.8%
had complained of urinary symptoms compared to 7.9% in the
group of patients without UTE.
• In patients who had rectovaginal endometriosis, the probability
of ureterolysis demonstrated a linear correlation with the size of
the nodule.
• They found that 3 cm in diameter provided a specific cutoff
value for the likelihood of ureteric involvement.
Knabben et al. [53] made the ensuing conclusion:
• The prevalence of UTE had often been underestimated.
• Pre-operative questioning is important in the search for
urinary bladder endometriosis.
• The size of the nodule is one of the few reliable criteria in
preoperative assessment that can suggest ureteric
involvement.
• They had proposed a classification of endometriosis of ureter
that would allow the standardization of terminology and help
to compare the outcome of different surgical treatment in
randomized studies.
Badri et al. [54] made the ensuing iterations:
• Endometriosis is a multi -factorial benign disorder which is
typified by the abnormal presence of endometrial tissue in an
extra-endometrial site.
• Even though extra -pelvic endometriosis is not common,
symptomatic involvement of the kidney is very rare.
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• This benign disease could simulate many urological processes,
but because of its scarcity in clinical practice, it is seldom
considered in the differential diagnosis.
Badri et al. [54] reported the case of a 45 -year-old woman with flank pain
and haematuria, who was found to have a left kidney mass on cross-sectional
imaging. After robotic partial nephrectomy was undertaken, pathology
analysis of the specimen revealed an endometrial implant within the renal
parenchyma. Badri et al. [54] concluded that:
• Their reported case of renal endometriosis had highlighted how
this benign disease process could simulate many more sinister
urologic processes.
Gabriel et al. [55] reported on the prevalence, surgical management, and
outcome of urinary tract endometriosis (UTE) in a cohort of 221 patients
who had undergone laparoscopic surgery for severe endometriosis. They
stated that UTE can cause significant mo rbidity, such as silent kidney or
progressive renal function loss and that its frequency is underestimated and
data on laparoscopic management are scarce. Gabriel et al. [55] undertook a
retrospective study between 2007 and 2010, of 43 patients who were eligible
for their single-centre study. The inclusion criterion was the presence of UTE
(for example urinary bladder and/or ureteric endometriosis). All patients
were operated laparoscopically. Gabriel et al. [55] summated the results as
follows:
• The prevalence of UTE was 19.5% (43/221).
• There was no correlation found between urinary bladder and
ureteral endometriosis (P >.05).
• Endometriosis of ureter was associated with patient's age (P
<.01).
• Patients who had urinary bladder, but not ureteral, involvement
complained more frequently about dysuria, visible haematuria,
and urinary tract infections.
• Intraoperative and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
findings demonstrated a moderate to good correlation.
• UTE was not associated with rectovaginal or bowel
endometriosis, but rather with the involvement of the uterosacral
ligaments (P <.01).
• Twenty-two patients with endometriosis of the urinary bladder
were treated by mucosal skinning and 11 patients underwent
partial cystectomy.
• Superficial ureteral excision was undertaken in 4 patients,
whereas resection with ureteroureterostomy was undertaken in 9
patients.
• There was no difference regarding the intra - and postoperative
complications in patients with or without UTE.
Gabriel et al. [55] made the ensuing conclusions:
• In severe pelvic endometriosis, involvement of the urinary tract
is quite common.
• Laparoscopic management is feasible and safe.
• In view of the lack of specific symptoms, the pre -operative
diagnosis of ureteral endometriosis still has remained a
challenge.
• Pelvic MRI scan represents a useful preoperative diagnostic tool.
Muthuppalaniappan et al. [56] reported a case of a 30 -year-old female, who
had a background history of SLE with a silent progressive kidney injury due
to an obstructive uropathy secondary to bilateral intrinsic UE and severe loss
of her left kidney functio n that was treated with ureteric stenting. She
subsequently underwent bilateral re -implantation of her ureters as a
definitive treatment plan as she had expressed a desire to conceive.
Muthuppalaniappan et al. [56] made the ensuing discussing iterations:
• Progressive renal injury as a result of UE had been reported in
the past; nevertheless, its true incidence is not known.
• The time of diagnosis is crucial as it does reflect renal prognosis.
• They had outlined in their article the clinical implications from
the renal perspective of the disease considering the relevant
health problem UE can impose to women.
• Their paper had discussed the emerging evidence of an
association between SLE and endometriosis which had remained
poorly understood.
Muthuppalaniappan et al. [56] made the ensuing conclusions:
• A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose UE as the
disease occurs insidiously with non -specific manifesting
symptoms leading to a silent obstructive uropathy.
• If the diagnosis is missed it could ultimately lead to irreversible
kidney dysfunction and mortality.
• They had suggested that patients with endometriosis especially
UE should be followed up regularly with renal function testing
and imaging.
• Any health professionals who are dealing with patients suffering
from SLE should consider appropriate investigations and referral
if any symptom that indicates endometriosis is reported.
Vrettos et al. [57] made the ensuing iterations:
• Endometriosis is stated to be a common disorder which afflicts
5% to 10% of women of reproductive age, for which the gold
standard investigation for the diagnosis is laparoscopy and
biopsy with histological confirmation. [58] [59]
• Urinary tract endometriosis occurs in about 1% of women with
pelvic endometriosis. [60]
• Endometriosis involves the ureters, it could manifest with renal
colic and can cause hydronephrosis and renal complications due
to obstruction, mainly in women of child-bearing age.
• The manifesting symptoms could be non-specific.
• Delayed diagnosis could lead to the development of kidney
failure due to silent obstruction of the ureter. [61]
[57] reported a case of a 43 -year-old lady who manifested with recurrent
episodes of right-sided colicky abdominal pain. She manifested with severe,
right-sided colicky abdominal and right loin pain which radiated to the right
groin. She reported similar episodes of pain previously, but no clear
diagnosis had been established. Her primary care physician had treated her
conservatively for possible kidney stones, even though there was no
radiology-image evidence to support that. Upon examination, she was found
to be afebrile and her vital signs were stable. Her blood results demonstrated
a mild elevation in her urea and creatinine levels. She had a computed
tomography scan of the kidneys-ureter-bladder (CT KUB), which showed a
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moderate degree of right sided hydronephrosis but no stone was identified
(see figure 3). An intravenous urogram (IVU) was undertaken which
demonstrated marked distension of the right pelvic calyceal system and
narrowing of the right distal ureter (see fig ure 3). The patient then
subsequently had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan which
demonstrated abnormal soft tissue thickening within the right adnexal
region, but no clear cause of the ureteric obstruction was demonstrated (see
figure 4). She then u nderwent laparoscopy to ascertain the nature of the
pathology and to provide tissue diagnosis. The pathology findings
demonstrated elements of endometrial tissue which had encased the distal
ureter. In view of the proximity of the ureteric stenosis to the ureterovesical
junction, the patient was treated by means of an open ureterocystoneostomy.
She had an uncomplicated course and her pain resolved after the operation.
She did not experience any further episodes of pain. She had been followed
up as an outpat ient regularly with monitoring of her renal function, which
had remained normal and stable.
Figure 3: Computed tomography scan of the kidneys-ureter-bladder (CT KUB) demonstrating right sided hydronephrosis (arrow). Intravenous
urogram (IVU) showing narrowing of the right distal ureter (arrowhead). Reproduced from [57] Under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
Figure 4: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the pelvis showing abnormal tissue (arrowhead) which encases the right distal ureter (arrow).
Reproduced from: [57] Under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
[57] made the ensuing discussions and conclusions:
• Their case had highlighted an uncommon yet important cause of
ureteric stricture which could even lead to loss of kidney
function. [62]
• The diagnosis relies heavily upon clinical suspicion and
definitive treatment might be difficult to be achieved.
• Magnetic resonance imaging scan is a useful pre -operative tool
for the diagnosis and assessment of ureteral endometriosis. [63]
• It is important that this underdiagnosed condition, which might
ultimately lead to renal failure, be diagnosed as early as possible.
• Then every effort needs to be made in order to restore and
preserve kidney function. [64]
• In patients who have hydronephrosis and the localization of the
ureteric stenosis close to the vesicoureteral junction, the
appropriate procedure is a ureterocystoneostomy, which is
typically undertaken through an open technique. [65]
• The laparoscopic procedure had also been successful in the
treatment of distal ureteric stenosis. [66]
[67] made the ensuing iterations:
• Endometriosis of the kidney is a rare disease for which the
mechanisms of pathogenesis are still unclear.
• In view of this, early diagnosis and an appropriate treatment are
often delayed because of the tendency to be misdiagnosed as a
renal tumour.
• In October 2013 they undertook a radical nephrectomy for a 37-
year-old woman with renal endometriosis who was
preoperatively misdiagnosed as having a right renal tumour.
• Avoiding the misdiagnosis of renal endometriosis entails a
detailed case history taking, especially regarding whether the
cyclicity of lumbodorsal pain and haematuria correlates with
patients' menstrual cycles.
• Radiology imaging examinations are commonly helpful for
localization, whereas relieving symptoms with medicaments to
create a hypoestrogenic state is useful for clinical diagnosis.
• Nevertheless, a final diagnosis for renal endometriosis still
should depend upon histopathologic examination.
[68] made the ensuing iterations:
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• Ureteral endometriosis is estimated to occur in about 0.08% to
1% of patients with endometriosis.
• The serious condition, may lead silently to obstruction of the
urinary tract leading to hydronephrosis, hydroureter and
potential loss of kidney function.
• Endometriosis of the ureter is often associated with
endometriomas, deeply infiltrating endometriosis, and the
involvement of uterosacral ligaments.
• Diagnosis of endometriosis is often challenging due to the silent
nature of the disease and the presence of non -specific or no
symptoms.
Nagar et al. [68] reported a 30 years old healthy woman, who was admitted
due to abdominal pain lasting for 5 days without fever. She complained of
dysmenorrhea but no other gynaecological, urinary or digestive symptoms.
She had trans vaginal + abdominal u ltrasound (US) of a left ovarian
unilocular cyst that measured 85*83*123mm with “ground glass” content,
which was suspected for endometrioma. Severe hydronephrosis of left
kidney with dilated calyx and cortical thinning, pelvic tubular structure
30*18 with clear fluid was suspected for dilated left hydroureter. Under
radiology-imaging limitations there were no signs of DIE CT
UROGRAPHY was undertaken which confirmed the urinary system
findings. Her laboratory test serum creatinine was 0.79, the results of h er
electrolytes were normal. Surgery (laparoscopy) drainage of 10cm left
endometrioma, left salpingectomy due to LT hydrosalpinx, removal of
4cm deep infiltrating endometriotic nodule that involved the left ureter, left
uterine artery and left infundibulo -pelvic ligament was and left were
nephroureterectomy undertaken.
[68] made the ensuing conclusions:
• Non-specific symptoms and incorrect diagnosis of ureteral
endometriosis could lead to renal damage as a result of
prolonged hydronephrosis.
• In view of this, in routine targeted ultrasound scan for
endometriosis, radiology-imaging of the kidneys should form an
integral part of assessment.
• Physicians should suspect endometriosis of the ureter in
reproductive age women with unilateral or bilateral distal
ureteral obstruction of uncertain cause.
• A high index of suspicion and utilisation of imaging modalities
enable earlier diagnosis, preservation of renal function, and
improved prognosis.
[69] presented data from 18 cases of ureteral endometriosis. They
undertook Prospective clinical study of four hundred and five patients with
severe dysmenorrhea or deep dyspareunia due to a rectovaginal
endometriotic (adenomyotic) nodule. The patients we re prospectively
evaluated using intravenous pyelography. All of the patients underwent
laparoscopic surgery to remove rectovaginal adenomyosis and
ureterolysis. The main outcome measure included presurgical and
postsurgical evaluation and histological ana lysis.[69] summated the
result(s) as follows:
• Preoperative intravenous pyelography revealed ureteral stenosis
with ureterohydronephrosis in 18 patients (4.4%).
• A significantly higher prevalence (11.2%) was observed in
nodules ≥ 3 cm in diameter.
• Five women (20%) were found to have kidney parenchymal
function, which ranged from 18% to 42%.
• Laparoscopic ureterolysis was undertaken in 16 women; 2
women underwent ureteral resection and uretero-ureterostomy.
• A significant postoperative decrease in ureterohydronephrosis
was identified noted in all patients; nevertheless, renal function
improved only slightly.
They made the ensuing conclusion(s):
• Ureteral endometriosis was found in 4.4% of patients with
rectovaginal endometriotic (adenomyotic) nodules.
• Ureterolysis and removal of associated adenomyctic lesions was
sufficient therapy in most patients; two required resections of the
ureteric stenotic segment.
• Intravenous pyelography should be performed in all women with
rectovaginal nodules ≥ 3 cm to prevent non -reversible loss of
renal function.
[70] reported a -29-year-old woman, who manifested with unilateral loin
pain because of severely hydro-nephrotic kidney due to deposits of pelvic
endometriosis. Double J-stent was inserted beyond the obstruction and she
was commenced on hormone therapy. The stent was removed after three
months when her back pressure changes had resolved. Gupta et al. [70]
concluded that the case was presented along with a short relevant
discussion, due to rarity of ureteral involvement by endometriosis.
[71] reported a 42 -year-old woman, who was referred to their hospital
because of abdominal fullness and a large abdominal mass and other
symptoms. She had computed tomography (CT) scan and retrograde
pyelography (RP) which revealed left hydronephrosis and a filling defect
in the left lower ureter. Based on the diagnoses of endometriosis of
bilateral ovaries, uterine myoma and a left ureteral tumour, abdominal total
hysterectomy, right salpingo-oophorectomy and partial ureterectomy were
undertaken. Patholog ically, within the uterus, both leiomyoma and
adenomyosis, and endometriosis of the right ovary and ureter were
diagnosed. Medication with buserelin acetate was commenced.
[72] stated that deep endometriosis (DE) could be more aggressive than
other-types of endometrioses, and might even lead to irreversible severe
complications such as complete unilateral loss of kidney function.
Martinez-Zamora et al. [72] described the cl inical and radiology -image
characteristics of DE patients who were diagnosed with irreversible
unilateral loss of renal function due to unilateral ureteral stenosis and they
evaluated risk factors for developing this loss. The study of Martinez -
Zamora et a l. [72] was a retrospective cohort study, which included 436
patients who underwent laparoscopic DE surgery. Martinez -Zamora et al.
[72] evaluated two groups of patients according to preserved (Non -Renal
Loss Group; n = 421) or irreversible unilateral dama ged renal function
(Renal Loss Group; n = 15). They collected pre -operative epidemiologic
variables, clinical characteristics, radiologic findings and surgical
treatments of all the patients. They found that the Renal Loss Group had a
higher infertility ra te and a higher proportion of asymptomatic patients.
The following radiology image variables showed statistically significant
differences between the two groups: mean endometrioma diameter, the
presence of intestinal DE and negative sliding sign. Multivari ate analysis
showed that infertility, being asymptomatic, having intestinal DE or torus
uterinus/uterosacral ligament DE and a negative sliding sign significantly
increased the risk of loss of renal function. Martinez -Zamora et al. [72]
concluded that:
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ISSN: 2690-8794 Page 14 of 18
• Among patients with these clinical and/or radiological variables,
severe urinary tract obstruction should be specifically excluded.
[73] reported a patient who underwent laparoscopic endometriosis
resection with right ureterolysis, left nephrectomy, left salpingo -
oophorectomy, lysis of adhesions. Nephrectomy and contralateral
ureterolysis and dissection of pelvic spaces for successful resection of
endometriosis and maintenance of solitary ureter patency was undertaken
in order to preserve remaining kidney function. Colussi et al. [73] made
the ensuing conclusions:
• Renal function and structure should be regularly evaluated in
patients who are afflicted by deep infiltrating endometriosis.
• Surgical intervention, with complete resection of endometriosis,
is the optimal approach for prevention of recurrence of ureteral
endometriosis.
[74] made the ensuing iterations:
• Endometriosis is a benign condition afflicting up to 10% of
women at reproductive age.
• The urinary tract is affected in 0.3% to 12.0% of women with
endometriosis and in 19.0% to 53.0% of women with deep
infiltrating endometriosis.
• The urinary bladder is the most commonly affected organ in the
urinary tract.
• Urinary bladder endometriosis is defined by the presence of
endometriosis lesions within the detrusor muscle, with partial or
complete thickness involvement.
[74] undertook a retrospective study. The study analysed surgical reports
of 11,714 patients who underwent endometriosis laparoscopy, and
included only 42 patients with urinary bladder endometriosis. Piriyev et al.
[74] summated the results as follows:
• They found that 0.35% of patients with endometriosis had
bladder endometriosis.
• In total, 29 patients underwent telephone phone follow-up.
• In total, 26 patients (90%) had reported a general improvement
in their symptoms (for example, improving the dysmenorrhea,
lower abdominal pain), with a 100% improvement in their
dysuria.
• Only two patients (7%) reported no change in their symptoms
(dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia).
[74] made the ensuing conclusions:
• Gynaecologists can undertake laparoscopic surgical treatment of
urinary bladder endometriosis in most cases.
• If ureteroneocystostomy is required or the localization of the
endometriosis nodule is unfavourable, an intervention by an
interdisciplinary team is recommended.
• Both laparoscopic partial bladder resection and shaving could be
considered to be effective methods with low complication risk.
• This surgical approach requires excellent laparoscopic skills.
[75] made the ensuing iterations:
• Abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) consists of endometrial
tissue between the peritoneum and the abdominal wall.
• The established treatment involves amenorrheic medicaments
which are not always successful and tolerated, or invasive
surgery.
• In this scenario, minimally invasive techniques such as
cryoablation are a potential option.
• They had undertaken a study, with the aim of evaluating the
efficacy of percutaneous cryoablation in reducing pain scores of
AWE patients and they had analysed their satisfaction with the
procedure and its related adverse events.
[75] systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane’s
databases for studies that employed percutaneous cryoablation therapy for
AWE and reported any of the outcomes of interest. The primary outcome
was the reduction in the visual analogue scale (VAS ) score after treatment.
R Software was used for the statistical analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed
using I statistics. They assessed the risk of bias in non-randomized studies of
interventions framework for potential bias in each selected study. Kaça do
Carmo et al. [75] summated the results as follows:
• They included 4 studies, containing 126 patients.
• All articles were retrospective studies.
• The difference between the VAS scores before and after
treatment was on average 5.97 points (95% CI 5.42 -
6.52; P <.01; I2 = 0%).
• The pooled satisfaction rate among patients in the selected
studies was 93.1% (95% CI 88.66-97.34; P = .51; I2 = 0%).
• The pooled prevalence of adverse events was only 5.48%
(95% CI 1.71-11.20; P = .58; I2 = 0%).
• Bias analysis revealed an overall moderate risk in all
included articles.
[75] made the ensuing conclusions and declaration of advances in
knowledge:
• Their study had demonstrated that cryoablation could reduce
pain complaints in patients, while presenting a low incidence rate
of adverse effects.
• Randomized clinical trials with a larger number of patients are
needed for greater conclusions.
• AWE affects about 3.5% of women.
• The standard treatment is invasive surgery.
• This meta -analysis had shown that cryoablation could
effectively reduce pain scores while presenting a low rate of
adverse effects.
• Cryoablation is a feasible treatment for AWE, furthermore
enabling shorter hospital stays and few complications for the
patients.
[76] undertook a study to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous cryoablation
in the treatment of abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) nodules. Bachour
et al. [76] retrospectively included thirty-eight women, who were treated for
symptomatic AWE nodules with percutaneous cryoablation under
ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) guidance between May 2020 and
July 2023. Pain was estimated using visual analog scale (VAS) and assessed
at baseline, three months, six months, and 12 months after percutaneous
cryoablation. Baseline VAS score, volume of AWE nodule and magnetic
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Auctores Publishing LLC – Volume 7(2)-254 www.auctoresonline.org
ISSN: 2690-8794 Page 15 of 18
resonance imaging (MRI) features of AWE nodules were compared to those
obtained after percutaneous cryoablation. Major complications, if any, were
noted. Bachour et al. [76] summated the results as follows:
• Thirty-eight women who had a median age of 35.5 years
(interquartile range [IQR]: 32, 39; range: 24 –48 years) and a
total of 60 AWE nodules were treated.
• Percutaneous cryoablation was undertaken under local or
regional anaesthesia in 30 women (30/38; 79%).
• Significant decreases between initial median VAS score (7; IQR:
6, 8; range: 3–10) and median VAS score after treatment at three
months (0; IQR: 0, 5; range; 0 –8) (P < 0.001), six months (0;
IQR: 0, 1; range; 0–10) (P < 0.001) and 12 months (0; IQR: 0, 2;
range: 0–7) (P < 0.001) were found.
• Percutaneous cryoablation resulted in effective pain relief in 31
out of 38 women (82%) at six months and 15 out of 18 women
(83%) at 12 months.
• Contrast-enhanced MRI during six -month follow -up
demonstrated a significant decrease in the volume of AWE
nodules and the absence of AWE nodule enhancement after
treatment by comparison with baseline MRI (P < 0.001). No
major complications were reported.
Bachour et al. [76] concluded that:
• Percutaneous cryoablation is an efficacious, minimally
invasive intervention for the treatment of AWE nodules that
conveys minimal or no morbidity.
Conclusions
• Endometriosis of the kidney and urinary tract organs is an
uncommon affliction which manifests with non -specific
symptoms and signs that simulate the manifestations of more
common afflictions of the kidney and urinary tract organs.
• Diagnosis of endometriosis of the kidney and urinary tract
organs requires a high index of suspicion and pathology
examination of specimens of the lesions.
• Even though most often endometriosis of the kidney and urinary
tract organs had tended to be treated with analgesia to control
pain as well as medicaments including hormonal treatment,
definite treatment in a number of scenarios had required
complete surgical excision of the lesion; nevertheless, pursuant
to the development of minimal invasive surgery, alternative
procedures could be used in the first instance to treat
endometriosis of the kidney and urinary tract organs which
include: cryotherapy of the lesion, radiofrequency ablation of the
lesion, irreversible electroporation of the lesion, thermotherapy
of the lesion, as well as selective angiography and super -
selective embolization of the branch of artery supplying the
lesion, pursuant to confirmation o f the biopsy based upon
pathology examination of the lesion.
• In the scenario of obstructed ureter and hydronephrosis, the
initial management to improve or maintain renal function may
entail the undertaking of per -cutaneous nephrostomy or
cystoscopy, retrograde ureteropyelogram, ureteroscopy and
insertion of double J ureteric stent to obviate the ureteric
obstruction to enable good drainage of urine.
• Even though some individuals who are afflicted by
endometriosis may manifest with a number of symptoms
including infertility, endometriosis may not be the actual cause
of infertility.
• It is important for all clinicians to appreciate the fact that female
factor infertility may account for 40% of cases, male factor
infertility may account for 40% of cases and 20% of cases may
be attributed to a combination of male and female infertility
factors. In view of this if a lady with endometriosis manifests
with infertility, both the lady and her spouse should be fully
investigated to ascertain the cause of the infertility in order to
provide excellent management of each case.
Conflict Of Interest – Nil
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements to:
• Saudi Medical Journal, for granting permission for reproduction
of figures and contents of their journal article under the Creative
Commons Attribution License under the ensuing copyright
iterations: © 2025 Saudi Medical Journal Saudi Medical Journal
is copyright under the Berne Convention and the International
Copyright Convention. Saudi Medical Journal is an Open
Access journal and articles published are distributed under the
terms of the Creative Commons Attribution -Non-Commercial
License (CC BY-NC). Readers may copy, distribute, and display
the work for non -commercial purposes with the proper citation
of the original work. Electronic ISSN 1658 -3175. Print ISSN
0379-5284.
• Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery, for granting
permission for reproduction of contents of their journal article
under the Creative Commons Attribution License under the
ensuing copyright iteration: CC BY -NC-ND 4.0
ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVATIVES
4.0 INTERNATIONAL DEED.
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