Over one thousand patients with early stage endometriosis treated with the Helica Thermal Coagulator (HELICA): safety aspects

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety of the Helica Thermal Coagulator in the laparoscopic treatment of early stage endometriosis. DESIGN: Retrospective, observational. SETTINGS: The Princess Royal University Hospital, The Sloane and Chelsfield Park Hospitals, Kent, UK. PATIENTS: One thousand and sixty patients with early stage endometriosis. RESULTS: All patients were treated laparoscopically with the Helica Thermal Coagulator; a new laparoscopic device that combines electrical energy with helium for the treatment of endometriosis. No major bladder, ureteric or bowel injuries occurred. The only complication was a perforated vagina from the cutting probe during dissection of the cul-de-sac in a patient with a vaginal endometriotic nodule. CONCLUSION: The Helica Thermal Coagulator is a safe device for the laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis.