In a nutshell
This study investigated the factors affecting the quality of life in women with endometriosis (EDM).
They found that chronic pelvic pain (CPP) had the strongest effect on quality of life.
Some background
Endometriosis (EDM) is a painful condition that affects many women. In EDM, the endometrium (the lining of the uterus or womb) grows outside the uterus. This can lead to pain and reduced fertility. Many patients with EDM have a poor quality of life. One treatment option for EDM is surgery. This is performed using a minimally invasive procedure.
Pain and quality of life are usually improved after surgery. It is unclear if certain factors have a greater impact on the quality of life after EDM surgery. Understanding these factors is important to improve patient treatment.
Methods & findings
This study included 981 patients that had EDM surgery. Patients were asked to complete questionnaires on EDM symptoms before and after the surgery. Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) was one of the symptoms. Patients also completed quality of life and fertility questionnaires. This was done at 6, 12, 18 months and 3 years. Physical and Mental Component Score (PCS, MCS) were assessed. PCS measures physical function. MCS measures mental function.
PCS was improved in 47% of stage 4 EDM patients one year after surgery. PCS was also improved, but to a lower level, in EDM stages 1 (26%), 2 (31.3%) and 3 (27.5%). Women with CPP before surgery had greater improvement in PCS (44%) and MCS (38%) than women without CPP (23% – PCS and 24% – MCS). Fertile patients were more likely to have an improvement in PCS than infertile patients.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that CPP had the strongest effect on the improvement of quality of life after surgery in women with endometriosis.
The fine print
21% of patients were not available for follow-up after 1 year. It is unclear if the importance of CPP on the quality of life is a long-term one. More investigation is needed.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding infertility, please consult with your physician.
Published By :
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology
Date :
May 27, 2019
