The treatment of rectal endometriosis and the role of laparoscopic surgery

Purpose of review Rectal endometriosis is a very indolent disease whose treatment has been debated by a range of competing schools. Meanwhile, not all audiences in the scientific community are entirely familiar with the full aspects of the disease. Hence, the purpose of this review is to outline the basic as well as the recent literature pertaining to the disease, thus offering a broader view to the interested reader. Recent findings Laparoscopic shaving or disc excision for rectal endometriotic nodules may be simple, safe options of controlling the disease. On the contrary, laparoscopic rectal resections, originally reserved for more extensive disease, are now more skillfully mastered by surgeons and gynecologists. Meta-analyses, retrospective, and prospective studies are being published frequently supporting one form of therapy at a time and discrediting another at other times. Summary Laparoscopic shaving or disc excisions for rectal endometriotic foci or rectal resections are feasible and efficient methods for treating rectal endometriosis. More complex surgery to the bowel means more risk for complications. With the rising learning curve of the operators, laparoscopic rectal resections have become a safe option that should be offered to patients. The patient's preference to a particular treatment option should be central to the type of surgery to be elected.