Abdominal wall endometriosis: A monocentric continuous series and review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial cells anywhere outside the uterine cavity. Endometriosis has been encountered on surgical scars especially resulting from a cesarean section recently. Our aim was to investigate the patients with abdominal wall endometriosis in our clinics where all the patients having this disease are managed via surgical resection. We also compared them with the patients presented in the literature. Methods: A study was conducted on the patients with histopathological diagnosis of abdominal wall endometriosis as a case series. All the subjects were analyzed through a comprehensive medical assessment including documentation of the detailed history and physical and gynecological examination based on the patients' medical records. Results: A total of 53 patients diagnosed with abdominal wall endometriosis were included in this study. The mean age and the mean body mass index of the patients were 32.6 +/- 6.5 years and 25.2 +/- 3.5 kg/m(2), respectively. A total of 49 patients had at least one operation history, mainly cesarean section. The most common sites for abdominal wall endometriosis were skin and the region containing the rectus abdominis muscle and rectus sheath, 56.6% and 18.9% respectively. The main symptom was the pain getting worse during menstruation and the presence of a mass in all patients. The main diagnostic tools in all patients were detailed history and physical examination, ultrasonography, and then histopathological confirmation after surgical excision. Conclusion: Abdominal wall endometriosis is a common diagnosis mainly due to increased cesarean section rate. Clinical suspicion has the most important place in correct diagnosis and management of abdominal wall endometriosis.