Double Disk Excision of Large Deep Endometriosis Nodules Infiltrating the Low and Mid Rectum: A Pilot Study of 20 Cases

ABSTRACT Study Objective To report the technique of double disk excision of deep endometriosis nodules infiltrating the mid or low rectum and surgical outcomes. Design A retrospective case series using data prospectively recorded in the North-West Inter Regional Female Cohort for Patients with Endometriosis database. Setting University tertiary referral center. Patients Twenty women managed for large deep endometriosis nodules infiltrating the mid or low rectum. Interventions Double disk excision using transanal end-to-end anastomosis circular stapler. Measurements and Main Results Twenty women managed by double disk excision from May 2016 to September 2019 were included in the study. The mean time of intervention was 149 ± 74 minutes. The cumulated mean diameter of the excised rectal disks was 53.4 ± 19.1 mm, whereas in 85% of the women, it was ≥50 mm. The mean distance between the lowest margin of the disk and the anal verge was 66 mm. Vaginal infiltration was removed in 15 patients (75%), and in 6 patients (30%) it exceeded 30 mm in diameter. Owing to the presence of sigmoid colon nodules, 2 patients (10%) underwent concomitant segmental sigmoid resection of 4 cm and 6 cm in length, respectively. Transitory stoma was performed in 8 patients (40%) owing to concomitant vaginal excision >3 cm in size. After a follow-up varying from 3 months to 42 months, no digestive fistula was recorded. The rate of Clavien-Dindo 3 complications was 15%. Conclusion Double disk excision is suitable for excising large deep endometriosis nodules infiltrating the mid or low rectum and is associated with a low severe complication rate with good functional outcomes in women. Further studies are required to assess the improvement of functional outcomes in deep endometriosis nodules infiltrating the mid or low rectum in comparison with colorectal resection.