Effect of dual wavelengths laser system (DWLS) on ovarian endometrioma: an histopathological study

Elisabetta Corvetto

;Luigi Nappi;Felice Sorrentino;Maurizio Nicola D'Alterio;Daniela Fanni;Stefano Angioni

2019-01-01

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Abstract

Background Surgical management of ovarian endometriosis is still debated and controversial. The removal of the cystic capsule with the stripping technique (cystectomy) seems to be most recommended for the lowest recurrence rate, but has harmful consequences on the ovarian reserve due to excision of healthy ovarian parenchyma. Some authors proposed plasma laser and CO2laser for the ablation of the cystic capsule instead of the stripping technique, in order to preserve healthy ovarian tissue. Nevertheless few data exist on thermal effect and possible ovarian damage. Moreover, no data are available on the risk of recurrence. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of dual wavelengths laser system (DWLS) on cystic capsule ablation by histologically analysing the depth of necrosis induced by vaporization and the thermal damage to the underlying healthy ovarian tissue Methods We analysed ovarian endometrioma tissues after diode laser ablation. DWLS, with flat fibres of 400 or 1000 micron (Biolitec® Leonardo®, wavelength of 980 nm and 1470 nm) was used using a set mode at 20 and 30 W, at a distance averaging 2 mm from the tip of the piece, and with an exposure time limited to 1 second on each site. Histopathological analysis of the depth of cyst wall ablated and the characteristics of the underlying ovarian tissue were performed after surgery. Results No complications occurred during surgery with good haemostasis control. Following histological analysis, the depth of necrosis induced by vaporization was medially 915 μm (range 600-1400 μm) depending on the power used. No endometriosis cells were found in the treated tissue and no thermal damages were found on the ovarian parenchyma below the necrotic tissue. Conclusions The DWLS ablation technique seems to be a good alternative to the stripping technique and other ablation techniques, as it produces an adequate depth of necrosis with a complete destruction of the endometriosis cyst wall and this could be associated with a more likely low risk of recurrence. In our results, it does not seem to cause a severe thermal damage to healthy ovarian tissue with a consequent higher probability of preservation of the ovarian reserve. The results in term of efficacy and pregnancy outcomes need further larger randomized studies