Conservative laparoscopic excision of endometriosis by sharp dissection: life table analysis of reoperation and persistent or recurrent disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the long-term outcome after laparoscopic excision of endometriosis.
DESIGN: This longitudinal unmatched study evaluated surgical outcome using follow-up questionnaires and evaluation of reoperations with results presented in life table format.
SETTING: Surgery was performed by a private practitioner at a referral center. PATIENTS: All 359 patients undergoing laparoscopic excision of endometriosis between December 12, 1980, and March 31, 1990, were studied.
INTERVENTIONS: Endometriosis, including deeply invasive disease, was completely excised laparoscopically using 3-mm scissors and graspers. Adjunctive medical therapy was not used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Extent of disease present at reoperation and quarterly rates of reoperation and recurrent/persistent disease are used as indicators of efficacy of surgery.
RESULTS: Interval rates of reoperation and recurrence/persistence of disease and extent or invasiveness of disease when found at reoperation did not increase with the passage of time after surgery. The maximum cumulative rate of recurrent or persistent disease was 19%, achieved in the 5th postoperative year.
CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic excision of endometriosis results in a low rate of minimal persistent/recurrent disease. The natural history of endometriosis after surgery suggests a rather static nature of the disease.