Surgical management of endometriosis-associated pain.

General surgical guidelines are reasonable, but treatment frequently must be individualized. Laparoscopic coagulation can be used for many cases of superficial endometriosis. Resection seems to be associated with an increased resolution of endometriosis. Resection increases the difficulty of the procedure, the time of the operation, and the cost, however. When endometriosis is found coincidentally, it may need no treatment because many women have endometriosis as a self-limited disease. Distinguishing patients who need no treatment from patients who need intermediate or extensive treatment can be difficult. Care is needed to attempt to ensure that patients are neither overtreated nor undertreated.