Mireille Smets

Large ovarian endometriomas

The management of large endometriomas was described in a series of 814 patients. Combined therapy using gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) and carbon dioxide laser laparoscopy was proposed. Drainage and GnRHa for 12 weeks provoked a reduction of the endometrioma size up to 50% of the initial value. After vaporization of the internal wall, a cumulative pregnancy of 51% after 1 year was achieved. A recurrence rate of 8% was observed for a follow-up of 2-11 years. Histological data demonstrated that the epithelium covering the ovary which is the mesothelium can invaginate in the ovarian cortex. Some of the invaginations were seen to be continuous with endometrial tissue, strongly suggesting the metaplasia theory in the pathogenesis of ovarian endometrioma.

Rectovaginal septum adenomyotic nodules: a series of 500 cases.

Objective Laparoscopic procedure with excision of deep fibrotic endometriotic nodules of the rectovaginal septum and histological study of the lesions.

Morphometric, immunohistological and three-dimensional evaluation of the endometrium of menopausal women treated by oestrogen and Crinone, a new slow-release vaginal progesterone.

Recently advanced computerized technology was applied to the investigation of morphometric, immunohistological and three-dimensional changes of the endometrial mucosa in order to evaluate quantitatively the effects of three doses of a new slow-release vaginal progesterone on the endometrium in post-menopausal women. A total of 20 menopausal women, deprived of ovarian function, were given oestrogen for 12 days and a combined therapy of oestrogen (administered orally) and progesterone for another 12 day period. Progesterone was administered vaginally through a new gel (Crinone) utilizing a bioadhesive, biocompatible polymer as a base to achieve a sustained release effect. An endometrial biopsy was taken before treatment, after oestrogen-only treatment and after the oestro-progestogen therapy. Before treatment, all the patients exhibited an atrophic endometrium. After oestrogen-only treatment, typical proliferative changes occurred: an increase in the endometrium thickness, an increase in the mitotic index, numerous cylinder-like glands and no coiled glands, and high concentrations of oestrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR). After the oestro-progestogen therapy, whatever the dose of progesterone given, a secretory transformation of the endometrial mucosa occurred, mitotic activity decreased significantly, more ramified and coiled glands were observed, and a decrease in PR content was noted in epithelial and stromal nuclei, and a decrease in PR content was also observed in epithelial nuclei but not in stromal nuclei. Accurate new techniques of image analysis have shown that crinone therapy could eliminate the proliferative effects of oestrogen treatment in post-menopausal women, despite doses as low as 45 mg of progesterone administered vaginally every other day. The results suggest that the sustained release effects of Crinone are clinically relevant.

The efficacy of medical and surgical treatment of endometriosis-associated infertility and pelvic pain.

This article is a review of the efficacy of medical and surgical treatment of endometriosis-associated infertility and pelvic pain. Endometriosis is the cause of pelvic pain (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia) and infertility in more than 35% of women of reproductive age. Complete resolution of endometriosis is not yet possible but therapy has essentially three main objectives: (1) to reduce pain; (2) to increase the possibility of pregnancy; (3) to delay recurrence for as long as possible. It could be concluded that a consensus will probably never be reached on minimal and mild endometriosis. Nevertheless, because the Canadian study reported a large number of cases, we strongly support the view that visible endometriosis must be removed at the time of surgery. In cases of moderate and severe endometriosis-associated infertility, the combined approach (operative laparoscopy with GnRH-a) must be considered as ‘first-line’ treatment. The mean pregnancy rate of 50% reported in the literature following surgery provides scientific proof that operative treatment should be undertaken first to give our patients the best chance of conceiving naturally.

Laparoscopic Management of Peritoneal Endometriosis, Endometriotic Cysts, and Rectovaginal Adenomyosis

Abstract: Peritoneal endometriosis is probably caused by the implantation of regurgitated menstrual cells. The ovarian endometrioma is the consequence of non‐hormone‐regulated bleeding from intraovarian epithelial inclusions after they have undergone metaplasia into endometrial‐like tissue. Rectovaginal adenomyosis is, in fact, an adenomyotic lesion and can develop from Müllerian rests. In conclusion, peritoneal endometriosis, ovarian endometriosis, and rectovaginal adenomyotic nodules must be considered as three separate entities with different pathogeneses that require a different therapeutic approach.

High risk for neoplastic transformation of endometriosis in a carrier of Lynch syndrome.

Lynch syndrome is an autosomal dominant cancer-susceptibility disorder caused by mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes. Women with Lynch syndrome have an increased lifetime risk for endometrial and ovarian cancers. While there is evidence of efficacy for prophylactic surgery, no standard recommendations have been developed to support screening for premalignant endometrial and ovarian epithelial lesions in high-risk women. Here, we report a case of a healthy woman carrying a germline mutation in MLH1 gene with endometrial intra-epithelial neoplasia and ovarian endometriotic lesions exhibiting a loss of MLH1 protein expression. This case report illustrates the malignant potential of endometriosis, and highlights the need for a meticulous management of gynecologic premalignant precursor lesions in reducing cancer risk among related Lynch syndrome women.

Expansive benign lesions: treatment by laser

Submucous fibroids, polyps and dysfunctional bleeding are responsible for meno-metrorrhagia in women over 40 years of age. The authors describe the technique of hysteroscopic myomectomy and endometrial ablation using the Nd-YAG laser and the advantages of the preoperative use of GnRH agonist therapy. They report their results in a series of 746 patients treated for meno-metrorrhagia (366 cases of myomectomy and 380 cases of endometrial ablation).