Endometriosis of the bowel.

TLDR

In a review of 163 bowel endometriosis cases (5.4% of 3037 laparotomies), surgeons performed colon or rectal resections in 30 cases, ileum/cecum resections in 11, and gynecologic surgeons removed bowel implants in 153, with 58.8% undergoing ablative and 41.2% conservative procedures. The procedure was safe, with no deaths or ileus, a 15% rate of mucosal opening, 43% transient pulmonary febrile responses, two pelvic infections, and one hematoma.

Abstract

One hundred sixty-three cases of endometriosis of the bowel (5.4% of 3037 laparotomies for endometriosis at the Ochsner Foundation Hospital) were reviewed to assess the management of this complication. Colon and rectal surgeons performed bowel resections of the colon in 30 cases and resections of the ileum and/or cecum in 11 cases. Gynecologic surgeons resected bowel implants, often multiple, in 153 patients, and also performed other necessary surgery, either ablative (with removal of uterus, tubes, and one or both ovaries; 58.8%) or conservative (with preservation of reproductive potential; 41.2%). The bowel mucosa was opened in 15% of implant resections. Complications included transient pulmonary febrile responses in 43%, two pelvic infections, and one hematoma. Ileus was not a problem, and there were no deaths. Resection of intestinal implants appears to be a safe procedure.