Laparoscopic excision of deep endometriosis.

Deep endometriosis is essentially characterized by the presence of a rectovaginal or retrocervical nodule, which is a circumscribed, nodular aggregate of smooth muscle, endometrial glands, and, usually, endometrial stroma. The authors suggest that the retroperitoneal space should definitely be considered as the origin of this retroperitoneal adenomyotic disease. This article reviews the classification, the diagnosis, and the surgical treatment of deep endometriosis (adenomyotic disease).