Progression of endometriosis in non-medically managed adolescents: a case series.

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is considered a progressive disease that can cause chronic pelvic pain and infertility. A combined medical-surgical approach is the best method to slow the progression of endometriosis. Adolescents who are not maintained on a medical regimen postoperatively may be at risk for disease progression.

CASES: This is a case series of three adolescent patients who presented at 13 to 16 years of age with complaint of severe pelvic pain and were diagnosed with stage 1 endometriosis at the time of laparoscopy. They were then prescribed menstrual suppressive therapy but did not remain compliant with their regimens.

RESULTS AND

CONCLUSIONS

Each patient returned to the operating room and underwent a second laparoscopy which revealed that each patient's disease had progressed to a higher stage. Without combined surgical-medical management, disease worsens, and places patients at risk for severe chronic pelvic pain as well as infertility.