Common cause of pelvic pain: Intestinal endometriosis

Deep infiltrating endometriosis with bowel involvement has been estimated to occur in 8% to 12% of women with endometriosis. In more than 90% of the cases, bowel lesions affect the rectum and distal sigmoid colon. A large study published in the October 2021 issue of Diseases of the Colon and Rectum analyzes how surgery affects these patients. For patients seeking an effective treatment, authors conclude that surgery for intestinal deep infiltrative endometriosis offers satisfactory symptom relief and improved quality of life.