Deep endometriosis: Can surgical complexity and associated risk factors be evaluated with transvaginal sonography and classification systems?

Abstract

Deep endometriosis (DE) surgery often requires advanced knowledge in laparoscopic surgery due to the location of affected organs such as the bowel, vagina, rectovaginal space including adjacent nerve structures, ureters and urinary bladder. Patients are at risk of serious complications and sequelae like anastomotic leakage, rectovaginal fistula and voiding dysfunction. Detailed knowledge of disease extent and location by transvaginal sonography (TVS) can aid the clinician to pre-operatively plan complex surgeries and estimate associated risks. Classification systems like #Enzian can be used in combination with TVS to assess surgical risk factors.

Keywords: Classification; Complications; Deep endometriosis; Surgical complexity; Surgical risks; Transvaginal sonography.