Adolescent Endometriosis

Conclusions and Relevance Adolescent endometriosis is likely a more prevalent cause of dysmenorrhea than currently appreciated. A high index of suspicion combined with recognition of risk factors and history-based markers of endometriosis may help identify adolescent endometriosis earlier and avoid delays in diagnosis. Expert opinion supports earlier laparoscopic evaluation in patients with symptoms unresponsive to oral medications, those who have failed initial medical therapy, or those who have evidence of deeply invasive disease, such as an endometrioma. Surgeons should be familiar with the unique appearance of lesions in the adolescent and understand the evidence as it relates to surgical therapy. Postoperative medical management is generally advocated by many, although the efficacy remains unclear at present. Target Audience Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians Learning Objectives After completing this activity, the learner should be better able to describe the nature of adolescent endometriosis as a disease entity, along with risk factors and clinical markers; identify the role of laparoscopic evaluation in diagnosis and management; and explain the evidence-based medication options available to this patient population.
Source: Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey - Category: OBGYN Tags: CME ARTICLES Source Type: research