Depth of Infiltration of Endometriosis

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Abstract
Because of the finding of decreased residual endometriosis after excision when compared with coagulation and vaporization, this study was undertaken to determine the depth needed for ablation (coagulation, vaporization, or excision) of endometriotic lesions. The maximum depth of infiltration of endometriosis past the peritoneum or bowel serosa was examined in 132 patients. The median measured depth of penetration was 3 mm. Lesions penetrating greater than 2 mm were seen in 61% of the patients, and lesions with penetration greater than 5 mm were seen in 25% of patients. These data suggest that techniques for destruction or removal of endometriosis must be effective at these depths. This is expected to be most important in patients with pelvic pain but also may be important in the short-term or long-term management of patients with infertility. (J GYNECOL SURG 5:55, 1989)