Comparison of laparoscopy with laparotomy for the treatment of extensive endometriosis with large endometriomata

The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical management and pregna ncy rates in women with advanced endometriosis and endometriomata who were treated either by endoscopic surgery or by microsurgery at laparotomy. Two groups were studied. Group A consisted of 70 patients with moderate or seve re endometriosis and at least one endometrioma who underwent microsurgery v ia laparotomy. Group B consisted of 32 similar patients who underwent advan ced operative laparoscopy. Pregnancy rates and the monthly fecundity for 2 years postoperatively were comparable in the two groups, but the blood loss at operation, the length of hospital stay, and the recovery time of the pa tients were significantly lower in the laparoscopy group.