Life threatening complications of endometriosis.

Endometriosis affects 5-20% of menstruating women and occurs primarily within the pelvis. Although histologically benign, ectopic endometrial tissue possesses the ability to grow, infiltrate and disseminate with life threatening results/consequences. This is illustrated by a case of asymptomatic endometriosis involving the ureters and rectum. The importance of evaluating the integrity of the urinary tract in endometriosis, especially cases involving the uterosacral ligaments, is stressed. Appropriate therapy followed by periodic surveillance for progression of the disease is discussed.