Complications of deep infiltrative endometriosis of gastrointestinal tract

Objective. To summarize the literature data on the main complications of deep infiltrative endometriosis, including ileocecal. Endometriosis is a complex disease that can begin to develop from birth. Despite all the already existing theories of the origin and development of this disease, further large-scale studies are required to investigate the etiology, pathogenesis, and phenotypes of this nosology and its relationship with pain and infertility. External genital endometriosis often affects various parts of the gastrointestinal tract. The rectosigmoid junction of the colon is most commonly affected (81.3%), followed by the appendix (6.4%), small intestine (4.7%), dome of the cecum (4.1%), and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract (1.7%). In recent years, interest in ileocecal endometriosis and its timely diagnosis and treatment has begun to grow among practicing specialists. Presently, deep infiltrative endometriosis is widely studied by obstetricians–gynecologists and by related specialists, such as general surgeons, coloproctologists, and gastroenterologists, in connection with extragenital lesions leading to severe complications. Cases of intestinal perforation caused by deep infiltrative endometriosis, bleeding, and small intestinal obstruction have been described.