The Asymmetry Distribution of Endometriotic Lesions: Italian Multicenter Study

Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico2,000 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to understand whether endometriosis lesions - and tumors that can arise in association with endometriosis - occur more often on one side of the pelvis than the other. During surgery, doctors will record the exact location of each lesion to see if there is a consistent right- or left-sided pattern. Understanding these patterns may help improve knowledge about how endometriosis develops (pathogenesis), and thus improve its treatment.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

2,000

Conditions

Analyze the Laterality of Endometriotic Lesions and Endometriosis-related Tumors Endometriosis

Interventions

surgeryPROCEDURE

All patients enrolled in the study underwent surgery for endometriosis between 2013 and 2023.

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * age ≥18 years at the time of histological diagnosis of endometriosis * patients undergoing surgery with endometriotic lesions or patients with endometriotic lesions associated with endometrioid or clear cell ovarian cancer (Stage I-II) or borderline seromucinous ovarian cancer * first operation for endometriosis in the reference center (if recurrence consider only if both operations were performed at the reference center). Exclusion Criteria: * age \<18 years * patients affected by Stage I-II endometrioid or clear cell carcinoma or seromucinous borderline ovarian cancer not associated with endometriosis or in a more advanced stage of disease * women with an ultrasound diagnosis of endometriosis who have not undergone surgery * previous operations for endometriosis performed at another center

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Asymmetric distribution of endometriotic lesions on paired pelvic organs

Proportion of patients presenting an asymmetric (right- or left-sided) distribution of endometriotic lesions on even and symmetrical pelvic organs (e.g., ovaries, uterosacral ligaments), based on the laterality observed and described during the index surgical procedure. Side-specific frequencies (right vs left) will be reported as number and percentage.

Time frame: At the time of index surgery

Secondary Outcomes

Asymmetric distribution of malignant ovarian lesions related to endometriosis

Proportion of patients presenting an asymmetric (right- or left-sided) distribution of malignant lesions related to endometriosis-specifically endometrioid ovarian carcinoma, clear cell ovarian carcinoma, and seromucinous borderline tumors-based on the laterality observed and described during the index surgical procedure. Side-specific frequencies (right vs left) will be reported as number and percentage.