What can we expect from the surgical management of endometriosis?

In endometriosis, radical surgery to remove both ovaries appears to be the only truly lasting cure. However, to retain or improve fertility potential, conservative surgery to remove all visible endometriotic deposits is often employed. Traditional conservative surgery using laparotomy is time-consuming and involves large, painful, slow-healing incisions, but, it is argued, modern developments in minimally invasive endoscopic surgery using advanced laparoscopy with lasers offer significantly reduced operation time, discomfort and convalescence. These surgical advances are reviewed. Although their effectiveness remains to be confirmed in controlled clinical trials, they appear to produce good results and are safe in experienced hands.