Endometriosis: What a Colorectal Surgeon Should Know

Jeffrey C. Seiler
In: Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery · 2003 · vol. 16(1) , pp. 019–026 · doi:10.1055/s-2003-39034 · W2028953010
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This review outlines the mechanical and immunologic etiology of endometriosis, its common pelvic symptoms, and therapeutic options to guide colorectal surgeons in managing this condition during surgical procedures.

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This review article outlines the clinical landscape of endometriosis for colorectal surgeons, emphasizing its mechanical and immunologic etiology alongside common symptoms such as dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain. It notes that while diagnosis is typically surgical, colorectal specialists often encounter the condition incidentally during procedures involving the pelvis or bowel. The text advises that surgical excision should prioritize minimal trauma to adjacent tissues when managing these lesions. This paper is centrally about endometriosis — specifically addressing the diagnostic and surgical considerations relevant to colorectal practitioners managing deep infiltrating disease.

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Abstract

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.
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Abstract

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.

Keywords

Endometriosis - infertility - dyspareunia

References

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Condition tags

endometriosisdysmenorrheadyspareunia

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