Is the EMpressin Injection in ENDOmetrioma eXcision Surgery Useful? The EMENDOX Study.

Background

Endometrioma recurrence after laparoscopic cystectomy remains a clinical challenge in the long-term management of endometriosis. The Empressin Injection Technique (EIT), which involves the use of a vasopressin analog during surgery, may reduce recurrence by improving the completeness of cyst removal. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the EIT on recurrence rates compared to standard cystectomy without Empressin.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case-control study of 263 patients who underwent laparoscopic cystectomy for unilateral or bilateral endometriomas between 2014 and 2024 at a tertiary endometriosis referral center. The patients were divided into two groups: EIT (n = 110) and control (n = 153). In the EIT group, 10 mL of diluted Empressin (1 mL in 100 mL NaCl 0.9%) was injected at the cyst capsule-ovarian cortex interface prior to stripping. Demographic and clinical variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics (chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney t-test) and logistic regression to identify factors associated with recurrence between the two groups.

Results

No significant differences were found between the groups regarding age, BMI, #ENZIAN O score, or r-ASRM stage. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported. Recurrence was significantly lower in the EIT group (5.5%) compared to the control group (19.6%) (p = 0.001; OR 0.2, 95% CI: 0.08-0.55). Hormonal therapy was administered postoperatively in 69.1% of EIT patients and 62.5% of controls. Pregnancy rates were comparable between the groups. Repeat surgery for recurrence was required only in the control group (4.2%, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Use of Empressin during laparoscopic cystectomy significantly reduces endometrioma recurrence without adverse effects, particularly when combined with postoperative hormonal therapy.