Considerations for the Surgical Management of Diaphragmatic Endometriosis

Abstract

Study objective: The objective of this video is to review relevant surgical anatomy, resection and ablation methods, and techniques to optimize management of diaphragmatic endometriosis.

Design: Video footage of surgical anatomy and surgical technique. Institutional review board approval was not required.

Setting: Thoracic endometriosis lesions can involve the pleura, the lung, and the diaphragm. The prevalence of thoracic endometriosis is unknown, but most cases involve the diaphragm. A large percentage of patients are asymptomatic. Those who are symptomatic can present with cyclic shoulder pain, right upper quadrant pain, or catamenial pneumothorax. Symptomatic cases refractory to medical management or recurrence require surgical management [1,2]. Safe and efficient management of these cases depends on an experienced multidisciplinary team. In this video, the experiences and management tools used by our team are described.

Interventions: Laparoscopic management of primary and recurrent symptomatic diaphragmatic endometriosis.

Conclusion: A multidisciplinary skilled team approach to the surgical management of diaphragmatic endometriosis to optimize outcomes is preferred.

Keywords: Diaphragm; Endometriosis; Surgery management.