The effects of ethanol sclerotherapy on pain and quality of life in patients with endometrial cysts.

OBJECTIVES

Endometriosis is a prevalent chronic gynecological condition resulting in infertility, and severe pain that strongly deteriorates patients' quality of life. In addition to surgery and pharmacotherapy, there are also other methods of endometriosis management, such as sclerotherapy, which is used in patients with endometrial cysts. So far, there is a shortage of knowledge regarding sclerotherapy's influence on pain symptoms and quality of life. Therefore, the main objective of our study was to assess the effects of sclerotherapy on pain relief and quality of life.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Study participants consisted of patients with ovarian endometriomas who have undergone ultrasound-guided transvaginal sclerotherapy with the use of high-percentage ethanol. Patients had no history of chronic diseases, besides endometriosis. They completed self-constructed both pre-procedural and post-procedural questionnaires between 3 and 6 months after sclerotherapy.

RESULTS

Our study included 59 patients. Sclerotherapy resulted in a significant alleviation of pain regardless of primary cyst volume, history of endometriosis surgery, post-procedural hormonal treatment, and elapsed time between two questionnaires collection. There was a significant decreasing in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores measured for pain during menstruation, sexual intercourse, and chronic pelvic pain after sclerotherapy. Moreover, this procedure resulted in significant improvement in life quality. Most patients reported that they would recommend this treatment method to other patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Sclerotherapy is characterized by a great ability to alleviate pain and improve quality of life.