Endometriosis: What a Colorectal Surgeon Should Know

Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disorder that has a mechanical and immunologic etiology. The majority of cases involve the pelvis and the diagnosis is usually made surgically. Symptoms include dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and dyspareunia. Therapy can be medical, surgical, or a combination of the two. The colon and rectal surgeon will usually encounter endometriosis as an accidental finding. Excision with minimal trauma to adjacent tissues is preferred.