Personalized Surgical Strategies for Bowel Endometriosis to Enhance Patient Outcomes
Bowel endometriosis often impacts the rectum or sigmoid colon, causing significant symptoms and reducing fertility. Treatments include hormonal therapy and surgery, with techniques varying widely. Crestani et al., in the leadership of Dr. Horace Roman, conducted a study aiming to…
Key Points Lay SummaryEndometriosis and mental health disorders: How associated are they?
As with any chronic condition, endometriosis does not only present with physiological problems. The association between endometriosis and mental health issues has been widely studied and it is now known that these patients undergo depression, anxiety, and even bipolar disorder…
Key Points Lay SummaryAre women with endometriosis more prone to have mental health disorders?
Endometriosis is a long-term morbidity resulting in impaired physical, sexual, psychological, and social health. The most common clinical findings of endometriosis patients are chronic pelvic pain and fertility problems, associated with impaired quality of life. These women are also affected…
Key Points Lay SummaryPsychosocial Factors Must Be Taken Into Account When Dealing With Endometriosis
It is crucial to take into account both physical and psychosocial factors to maintain physical and mental health in patients with endometriosis, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Psychology & Health. “Treatment should address both pelvic…
Key Points Lay SummaryEndometriosis and the risk to have mental disorders
The most common clinical findings of endometriosis patients are pelvic pain and fertility problems, resulting in impairment of quality of life. These women are also affected regarding psychological health due to disease-associated symptoms. Dr. Wang et al., from Taiwan, published…
Key Points Lay SummaryStudy Finds Link Between Exposure to Pollutants and Increased Riks of Endometriosis
High concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urine may be associated with a higher risk of endometriosis, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research. The study also found that the concentration of…
Key Points Lay SummaryQuality of life analyses among women with endometriosis
Clinical factors that may affect the quality of life in women with endometriosis are mental health, sexual life, working capacity, and social relations. Symptom severity, especially dysmenorrhea, heavy periods, pelvic pain, and infertility complaints, are the most disturbing factors in…
Key Points Lay SummaryThe type of surgical approach compared to complications and recurrence for colorectal endometriosis
Women with endometriosis may have extension and infiltration of the intestine, called "colorectal endometriosis, in up to 12%. The main symptoms are alterations in bowel habits, pelvic pain, and/or infertility. The gold standard management option for colorectal endometriosis is surgical…
Key Points Lay SummaryHazardous substances in pollution and relationship with endometriosis.
Vallée and colleguages. from the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health of Foch Hospital, France, recently published a narrative review about environmental pollution and its association with endometriosis in BJOG. They used the existing English literature to discuss the association…
Key Points Lay SummaryVicious cycle: The promoting role of previous endometriosis foci for new lesions
An experimental animal study on the pathogenesis of endometriosis from the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Hamburg has been published in a recent issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Endometriosis is a well-known common gynecological ailment…
Key Points Lay SummaryOmitted facet of endometriosis : mental health related to stigma
A team of clinical psychologists involved in women’s health led by Deniz Kocas has published a recent review on the mental health aspect of endometriosis patients in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. Endometriosis is a notoriously…
Key Points Lay SummaryToxic metal cadmium and Endometriosis
Data analyst Mandy Hall and and colleagues from the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, USA, have published their results on cadmium levels and endometriosis in a recent issue of “Human Reproduction”. In 2020 the World Health Organization…
Key Points Lay SummaryImproving the quality of life: The role of cognitive behavioral therapy after endometriosis surgery
Endometriosis and its symptoms have been associated with poor mental health and reduced quality of life. Cognitive behavioral therapy is recognized as an effective psychological treatment for managing depression, anxiety, and stress. Although surgery for endometriosis improves a patient's quality…
Key Points Lay SummaryStudy Highlights Link Between Endometriosis and Mental Health Problems
Endometriosis is associated with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders found a new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open. This is the first large-scale study showing a link between endometriosis and the mental health…
Key Points Lay SummaryAnhedonia and its relation to endometriosis as a sole symptom
"Anhedonia may be defined as a broad category of hedonic function deficiencies, including diminished motivation or enjoyment capacity. It has been an area of interest for a long time in psychiatric disorders and has been crucial in some diagnoses such…
Key Points Lay SummaryAntimicrobial agent ornidazole yields promising effects in an animal model of endometriosis
Xiaoduo Qin and collaborators from Chinese medical centers, have published their results on the role of ornidazole using an experimental rat model in a recent issue of the periodical “Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation”. Progression of endometriotic foci depends on the presence…
Key Points Lay SummarySocial Support is a Predictor of Resilience in Women with Endometriosis
Satisfying social support and good mental health are key resources for resilience among patients with endometriosis, according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. “The results of this study may assist in the identification of women…
Key Points Lay SummaryExposure to toxic metals and the risk of endometriosis
Mercury, lead, and cadmium are the best-studied heavy metals for several adverse effects on the human reproductive system. Mercury can induce DNA damage, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, and lead exposure is associated with menstrual disorders, preterm birth, and miscarriage.…
Key Points Lay SummaryVitamin C as a possible therapeutic agent in endometriosis
A rather toxic environment is generated with the production of reactive oxygen species by the immune cells in endometriosis. The anti-oxidant metabolism is also altered which results in a state of oxidative stress. As a potent antioxidant, Vitamin C has…
Key Points Lay SummaryEndometriosis and environmental factors
The estrogen-dependent nature of endometriosis has generally led to search endocrine-based causes. Especially, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, and Dietilstilbesterol are the most studied chemicals in the literature. Interesting data that needs confirmation in the future also suggest a link with night…
Key Points Lay SummaryPostoperative outcomes of deep intestinal endometriosis surgery.
Invasion of endometriotic lesions to the bowels' mucosal and/or muscular levels is called intestinal deep endometriosis. These lesions are most frequently found in the rectosigmoid colon, followed by the rectum, ileum, appendix, and caecum. The optimal surgical approach to intestinal deep…
Key Points Lay SummaryThe consequence of COVID-19 pandemic on endometriosis patients
The relevant policies and restrictions concerning Covid-19 have prevented patients from accessing medical care. Similarly, standard care for endometriosis patients has also been negatively impacted by postponed or canceled appointments and suspended surgeries across the countries. Women trying to cope…
Key Points Lay SummaryAtherosclerosis is augmented in laboratory mice by experimental endometriosis
Dr. Taylor group from Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA has published their experimental study in the "American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology" on atherosclerosis following endometriosis induction in laboratory mice. The basic inflammation process in endometriosis patients…
Key Points Lay SummaryGeography May Influence Risk of Endometriosis
The risk of developing endometriosis seems to be geographically heterogeneous across France, according to results from a study published in the journal Scientific Reports. The study identified 20 high-risk hotspots around the country. These showed similar results for non-adenomyosis endometriosis…
Key Points Lay SummaryWhich of the suggested environmental risk factors are indeed related to endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a complex disease with genetic and environmental factors in its poorly understood pathogenesis. Even though many epidemiological studies in the literature have proposed several risk factors, the lack of clear establishment and modification of these potential risk factors…
Key Points Lay SummaryMindfullness Can Hep Reduce Endometriosis Pain
A brief mindfulness-based intervention can be useful in managing pain related to endometriosis and restoring patients’ psychological well-being, found a new study published in the European Journal of Pain. This finding contributes to the applicability of mindfulness-based interventions in people…
Key Points Lay SummaryQuality of Life Is Negatively Correlated With Anxiety and Depression in Endometriosis
The quality of life of endometriosis patients is negatively correlated with anxiety and depression according to a new study published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Psychology. Based on this finding, the authors of the study suggest that improving patients'…
Key Points Lay SummaryEnvorinmental metals harmful for female reproductivity
Heavy metals exposure in a wide range of ways is one of the main causes of increased infertility. According to the 2003 National Health Survey, nearly every pregnant woman in the USA is exposed to at least 43 hazardous chemicals…
Key Points Lay SummaryThe quality of life and mental health in endometriosis patients
One of the most important aspects of having a chronic illness comes with its relative effect on the patients’ quality of life and mental health status. Being among the most debilitating diseases in women in the reproductive period, endometriosis is…
Key Points Lay SummaryEnvironmental factors play a role in the development of endometriosis
The proposed mechanisms underlying the development of endometriosis may be classified into three groups: in-situ theory, implantation theories, and induction theories. Genetic, hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle-related factors are also involved as no mechanism is solely responsible for endometriosis development. Although there are…
Key Points Lay SummaryPhytoestrogens could have promising effects in endometriosis management
Dr. Bartiromo and associates from Milan, Italy published a systematic review on phytoestrogens and endometriosis in the periodical “Nutrients”. Endometriosis has features of chronic inflammation based on uncontrolled hormonal response and immune-mediated dysfunctions. Estrogens are endocrine and paracrine agents that could yield…
Key Points Lay SummaryLead and cadmium exposures of female workers should be reduced as much as possible
Min-Gi Kim and associates from Korea published their results on the possible effects of lead and cadmium exposure in endometriosis induction and severity in a recent issue of “International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health”. Endometriosis is an illness…
Key Points Lay SummaryChemical Found in Self-Care Products May Be Linked to Endometriosis
There may be a link between exposure to phthalates and endometriosis according to a new study published in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. Although more research is needed, these findings could be translated into clinical practice according to…
Key Points Lay SummaryPromising therapeutic results in experimental endometriosis model
Tiziana Genovese and associates from Italian academic centers reported their pioneering findings in an experimental model of endometriosis administering an anti-tumor agent and glucocorticoid combination, published in the scientific periodical “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”. Endometriosis is a worldwide common disease…
Key Points Lay SummaryEndometriosis in intestine! Segmental resection or linear nodulectomy?
Intestinal involvement of endometriosis is common, and the incidence was defined between 45-56%. Previous studies investigating the role of surgery in the management of intestinal endometriosis reported improvement of life quality in up to 95% of cases following surgery. However,…
Key Points Lay SummarySegmental bowel resection could be predicted using MRI in patients with rectal endometriosis
The rectum and recto-sigmoid junction are the preferential localisations of bowel endometriosis. The three main surgical approaches are shaving, disc excision, and segmental resection. It is very important to decide the most appropriate surgical method preoperatively and to plan accordingly. …
Key Points Lay SummaryTime for reassessment : Laparoscopic surgery and bowel endometriosis
Ferrero and associates from medical centers of Verona and Genoa, Italy, made a comprehensive review covering all aspects of the surgical approach to bowel endometriosis, published their results in "Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology". Bowel endometriosis is the…
Key Points Lay SummaryThe Impact of Painful Sex on the Physical and Mental Wellbeing of Adolescent and Young Adult Women
Clinicians should ask adolescents and young women about painful sex, not just talk about contraception and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. This is because painful sexual intercourse could have a negative impact on relationships and peer engagement, which is…
Key Points Lay SummaryAnogenital distance and endometriosis
Endometriosis may be associated with exposure of the embryo to chemicals called ‘endocrine disruptors’. Exposure to endocrine disruptors can be estimated by measuring the anogenital distance (i.e. the distance between the clitoris and the anus), using a centimeter ruler with…
Key Points Lay SummaryOpioids use in women with endometriosis, what does it tell us?
Endometriosis is a debilitating disease that can cause many painful symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, infertility, chronic pelvic pain, abdominal pain, and sacral or low back pain. More than half of women diagnosed with endometriosis suffer from chronic pelvic pain.…
Key Points Lay SummaryAn important environmental contaminant dioxin has links to the pathogenesis of endometriosis
Giampaolinoa and associates from the University of Genoa, Italy published a review on environmental contaminant dioxin and its possible epigenetic role related to endometriosis development in "Gynecological Endocrinology". The authors made a narrative review, with the results of their search…
Key Points Lay SummaryEndometriosis and the quality of life
Recent developments of technics and improvement of skill in the laparoscopic field increased the courage of clinicians to attempt early and multiple diagnostic operations on endometriotic patients. Vanuccini et al. from NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy recently published their…
Key Points Lay SummaryThe postoperative functional outcomes of deep infiltrating endometriosis
Rectosigmoid endometriosis is defined as the infiltration of the bowel wall with the endometrial-like glands and stroma, reaching at least the muscular layer. The most commonly involved sites are the rectum and sigmoid colon. For the management of deep infiltrating…
Key Points Lay SummaryCan early-life exposures affect endometriosis development later in life?
Endometriosis is a complex disease with possible multifactor contributors. So far, inflammatory, immunogenic, genetic, and environmental factors have all been associated with endometriosis. In addition, it is possible that different types of endometriosis lesions – peritoneal, ovarian, and deep infiltrating…
Key Points Lay SummaryChoosing the Right Technique for Deep Colorectal Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a benign gynecologic condition, histologically defined by the presence of ectopic endometrium outside the endometrial cavity. Three clinical presentations of endometriosis have been described and could coexist in the pelvis: peritoneal endometriosis, ovarian endometriosis, and deep infiltrating endometriosis.…
Key Points Lay SummaryPreoperative factors to predict unresponsiveness in women undergoing endometriosis surgery
Endometriosis is defined as the localization of endometrial glandular and stromal cells outside the uterine cavity. Despite extensive research, the optimal management of endometriosis still remains unclear. Several treatment options include analgesic medication, hormonal treatments, and surgical intervention. There is…
Key Points Lay SummaryBowel endometriosis: What you need to know
When the endometrial tissue infiltrates the intestinal walls and reaches inside the intestines, this condition is called "bowel endometriosis". It is estimated that between 3.8% and 37% of women with endometriosis are affected by bowel endometriosis. The endometriosis lesions infiltrating…
Key Points Lay SummarySurgical techniques for rectosigmoid endometriosis, and functional outcomes
Rectosigmoid endometriosis is defined as the infiltration of bowel wall with the endometrial-like glands and stroma, reaching at least the muscular layer. Rectosigmoid endometriosis is encountered in approximately 8-12% of patients with a diagnosis of endometriosis. The most commonly involved…
Key Points Lay SummaryFighting with endometriosis
Maduro M.R. reviewed three separate studies on potential new targets to successfully manage endometriosis in her recent paper titled “Novel Strategies to Fight Endometriosis” published in the journal Reproductive Sciences. In the autotransplantation rat model of Torres-Reveron et al., the…
Key Points Lay SummaryReduced pain and increased fertiliy rates after surgery for colorectal endometriosis
This prospective cohort study which recently published in AOGS by Hudelist et al. from Oslo University, Norway is about their one hundred thirty-four laparoscopic operations of DIE cases performed between 2011 and 2016, in a tertiary center in Oslo. The…
Key Points Lay SummaryHealth-related quality of life in women with Endometriosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is defined by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. Unfortunately, endometriosis continues to be a leading cause of chronic pelvic pain and long-term morbidity in women of reproductive age.…
Key Points Lay SummaryEndometriosis Development: Pathogenesis and genomics
In this review recently published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Baranow et al from Saint Petersburg, Russia, hypothesize the existence of an endometriosis development genetic program (EMDP) that governs the origin of endometrium stem cells programmed for endometriosis; their transition…
Key Points Lay SummaryPredictors of psychological distress
Studies have now established that endometriosis can negatively impact mental health and quality of life, however, some studies show that not all women with endometriosis are necessarily more distressed than healthy women. This suggests that individual differences may explain women’s’…
Key Points Lay SummaryAn association of negative coping strategies on the presence of chronic symptoms associated with endometriosis
Endometriosis is often a long-term condition that becomes disabling and can affect the quality of life and mental health of many women. One area of endometriosis that needs to be focused on is the psychosocial-related issues of endometriosis and how…
Key Points Lay SummarySurgical treatment of colonic endometriosis
In this study, the authors provide a brief report published in the journal "The American Surgeon" which retrospectively reviewed the therapy outcomes in eight consecutive patients who had a laparoscopic surgical intervention for deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) at Anne Arundel Medical Center. The…
Key Points Lay SummaryWomen with endometriosis suffer from anxiety and depression
Endometriosis is considered a disabling condition that may significantly affect social relationships, sexuality and mental health of patients. Women who suffer from endometriosis report high levels of anxiety and depression and other psychological disorders. In this review article, the authors…
Key Points Lay SummaryHow rats can help improve colon endometriosis treatment in humans
Colorectal endometriosis forms about 3–37% of all deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) cases. DIE is a highly invasive type of endometriosis, occurs when ovarian endometriomas overgrow and rupture, releasing their contents into the abdominal and pelvic cavity, resulting in the formation…
Key Points Lay Summary