Surgical treatment of endometriosis via laser laparoscopy

Abstract

The carbon dioxide laser has been used laparoscopically for the removal of endometriotic implants, excision of endometrioma capsules, and lysis of adnexal adhesions in 102 patients. These patients were followed for a period ranging from 12 to 18 months, during which time there were 62 pregnancies, including 9 spontaneous abortions and 1 elective termination. The rates of conception after surgery were as follows: 75% for patients with mild endometriosis, 62% for patients with moderate endometriosis, 42.1% for patients with severe endometriosis, and 50% for patients with extensive endometriosis. Of 102 patients presenting with infertility attributed to endometriosis, 60.7% conceived within 24 months after laser laparoscopy. In this patient group, no immediate or subsequent laparotomy was required before conception was achieved, nor was hormonal therapy enacted during the study period after surgery.