Changes in the size of rectovaginal endometriotic nodules infiltrating the rectum during hormonal therapies.

Simone Ferrero, Umberto Leone Roberti Maggiore, Carolina Scala, Martina Di Luca, Pier Luigi Venturini, Valentino Remorgida

Journal: Archives of gynecology and obstetrics 2013;287(3):447-53

PMID: 23053314

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Abstract

PURPOSE

To evaluate the changes in the volume of rectovaginal endometriotic nodules infiltrating the rectum during 12-month treatment with hormonal therapies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective, non-randomized, self-controlled clinical trial included patients with rectovaginal endometriotic nodules infiltrating at least the muscularis propria of the rectum, who received one of the following therapies: norethisterone acetate, triptorelin and tibolone, norethisterone acetate and letrozole, desogestrel, sequential oral contraceptive pill. The volume of the nodules was determined by virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL, GE Healthcare, USA) at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of treatment.

RESULTS

Eighty-three women (90.2 %) completed the 12-month treatment. When compared with baseline values, the volume of the nodules decreased at 6-month (p < 0.001) and 12-month treatment (p < 0.001). After 12-month treatment, the volume of the nodules decreased in all study groups. The volume of the nodules decreased during therapy in 68 women (73.9 %) and increased in 11 women (12.0 %).

CONCLUSION

12-month administration of hormonal therapies reduces the volume of rectovaginal endometriotic nodules infiltrating the rectum in the majority of cases.

Address: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Institute for Cancer Research, San Martino Hospital, University of Genoa, Largo R. Benzi 1, 16132 Genoa, GE, Italy.

DOI: 10.1007/s00404-012-2581-2

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https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00404-012-2581-2

MeSH Terms: Adult, Aromatase Inhibitors, Calcium, Cholecalciferol, Contraceptives, Oral, Sequential, Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic, Desogestrel, Endometriosis, Estrogen Receptor Modulators, Female, Humans, Image Processing, Computer-Assisted, Letrozole, Nitriles, Norethindrone, Norethindrone Acetate, Norpregnenes, Prospective Studies, Rectal Diseases, Treatment Outcome, Triazoles, Triptorelin Pamoate, Ultrasonography, Vaginal Diseases, Vitamins