Isolated infiltrative endometriosis of the sciatic nerve: a report of three patients.

OBJECTIVE

To report that isolated endometriosis of the sciatic nerve without further manifestation of endometriosis does exist.

DESIGN

We describe our technique of laparoscopic neurolysis of the sciatic nerve and the sacral plexus.

SETTING

Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, St. Elisabeth Hospital, affiliated with the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.

PATIENT(S): Three female patients with isolated endometriotic infiltration of the endopelvic portion of the sciatic nerve.

INTERVENTION(S): Elective laparoscopic neurolysis of the sciatic nerve with removal of endometriosis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Disparition of pain in the patients and histologic information of the endometriosis.

RESULT(S): Isolated endometriosis of the sciatic nerve and/or the sacral plexus does exist without any further endometriosis genitalis externa manifestations.

CONCLUSION(S): In young patients with sciatica of an unknown genesis, an endometriosis of the sciatic nerve must be evoked, and a laparoscopic exploration of the sciatic nerve must be discussed.