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Validation of a score to guide endometriosis therapy for the non‐specialized gynecologist
Author(s) -
Lasmar Ricardo B.,
Lasmar Bernardo P.,
Keller Celeste Roger,
Larbig Angelika,
De Wilde Rudy L.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.05.011
Subject(s) - medicine , endometriosis , gynecology
Objective To validate a tool—the ECO system—developed to guide non‐specialized gynecologists in the treatment of patients with suspected endometriosis in outpatient clinics. Methods In a retrospective study, data were assessed from patients presenting to a center in Brazil or a center in Germany with suspected endometriosis and pelvic pain between July 2012 and June 2013. Data reviewed included patient complaints, clinical extent of disease, patient goals, recent use of medication, previous pelvic surgeries, visual analog pain scale, treatment provided, and histopathology after surgery. Data were transformed into a score according to the ECO system (0–6) indicating the suggested management, which was compared with the approach used in the study hospitals. Results Among 166 patients, 78 (47.0%) were medically treated and 88 (53.0%) underwent therapeutic laparoscopy. All 3 patients scoring 2 had undergone hormonal treatment. Among 51 patients scoring 3, 49 (96.1%) were clinically managed and 2 (3.9%) underwent surgery. Among 52 patients scoring 4, 26 (50.0%) had undergone medical treatment and 26 (50.0%) surgical treatment. All 56 patients who scored 5 and the four patients who scored 6 underwent surgery. Conclusion The ECO system seems to effectively represent the management of patients with endometriosis in specialized services.