Radiological long-term follow-up of patients with histologically infiltrated resection margins at colorectal resection for endometriosis

Study question: Which is the risk of disease recurrence in patients with infiltrated resection margins at the time of colorectal resection for endometriosis? Summary answer: The presence of infiltrated resection margins at the time of colorectal resection for endometriosis does not seem to be associated recurrence of disease. What is known already: Previous studies suggested that infiltrated resection margins do not influence pain symptoms, intestinal complains and quality of life. However, no previous study performed follow-up of these patients by using radiological instruments. Study design, size, duration: This was a cross-sectional study. It was performed between January and October 2012. Participants/materials, setting, methods: Inclusion criteria were: colorectal re- section for endometriosis performed at least 4 years before the study; infiltration of the resection margins; reproductive age at the time of the study. Patients underwent magnetic resonance enteroclysis (MRIe, 300 ml of ultrasonographic gel diluted with saline solution introduced in the rectosigmoid). Main results and the role of chance: 27 women were included in the study (mean age + SD, 41.2 + 4.6 years); the median follow-up was 62 months (range, 48-104 months). No endometriotic nodule infiltrating the muscularis of the rectosigmoid was identified. Limitations, reason for caution: A limitation of the current study is the small sample size; however, the presence of infiltrated resection margins is a rare event in patients undergoing colorectal resection for endometriosis. Wider implications of the findings: The findings of this study should be consid- ered in the counseling of patients with infiltrated resection margins at colorectal resection for endometriosis. These patients should be reassured that histological infiltration of the rings of tissue contained in the circular stapler is not associated with disease recurrence. Study funding/competing interest(s): None. Trial registration number: None.