Coagulation or excision of ovarian endometriomas?

A systematic review was undertaken to determine whether coagulation or laser vaporization of endometriomas is associated with an increase in the risk of cyst recurrence compared with excision of the pseudocapsule. In the four comparative trials identified, endometrioma recurrence was reported in 39 of 212 (18.4%) women treated with coagulation or laser vaporization compared with 19 of 295 (6.4%) in those who underwent cystectomy. The odds ratios of endometrioma recurrence ranged from 1.41 to 9.38 with 95% CIs including unity in two studies. The common odds ratio was 3.09 (95% CI 1.78-5.36). Coagulation or laser vaporization of endometriomas without excision of the pseudocapsule seems to be associated with a significant increase in risk of cyst recurrence. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:606-10.)