[CO2 laser ablation of cervical endometrioid lesions - treatment efficacy evaluation]

Abstract

Endometriosis affects 10-15% of the female population of childbearing potential. Endometrioid lesions of the cervical surface are a rare manifestation of the disease. There are various complaints related to this particular form of endometriosis, making the diagnosis challenging. Treatment also raises problems, as widely available and used therapeutic methods often prove to be ineffective.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of CO2 laser beam ablation in a group of patients with cervical endometriosis lesions.

Materials and methods: This paper presents a summary of cervical endometriosis treatment efficacy in a group of 15 patients who have undergone CO2 laser ablation between May 2016 and April 2019. The majority of patients have already been treated for cervical endometriosis, using cryotherapy, electrocoagulation, curettage and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). All patients, following preliminary colposcopy verification and exclusion of malignancies, have undergone CO2 laser ablation of endometrioid cervical lesions. A visual evaluation of the cervix was performed before treatment, directly after the procedure, as well as 4-6 weeks after the procedure, and subsequently every 6-8 months.

Results: This paper presents a summary of cervical endometriosis treatment efficacy in a group of 15 patients who have undergone CO2 laser ablation between May 2016 and April 2019. The majority of patients have already been treated for cervical endometriosis, using cryotherapy, electrocoagulation, curettage and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). All patients, following preliminary colposcopy verification and exclusion of malignancies, have undergone CO2 laser ablation of endometrioid cervical lesions. A visual evaluation of the cervix was performed before treatment, directly after the procedure, as well as 4-6 weeks after the procedure, and subsequently every 6-8 months.

Conclusions: Cervical endometriosis is a rare manifestation of the diseases, with variable symptoms. It can become a diagnostic challenge, as endometrioid lesions may be confused with cervical malignancies, as well as a therapeutic one, as many of the methods employed prove unsuccessful. Laser ablation of endometrioid cervical lesions seen to be a minimally invasive, safe and effective treatment method that can be offered in an outpatient setting.

Keywords: CO2 laser; cervical endometriosis; endometriosis.