Endométriose de la paroi abdominale

Abdominal wall endometriosis, defined as endometrial tissue in ectopic situation superficial to the peritoneum, is often misdiagnosed by general surgeons. However, it is not exceptional, particularly when located in the rectus major muscle. We performed a systematic review of published series of at least five patients to evaluate demographics, clinics and outcomes of patients. We conducted a PubMed search from 1956 to 2009, using several keywords around “endometrioma”. We selected 33 articles describing 522 patients whose mean age was 32 years. Typically, patients presented with a painful (85 %) and palpable abdominal mass (92 %), often with cyclic symptoms (58 %). A previous history of caesarian section was present in 75 % and the mean interval from surgery to symptoms was 3.8 years. Surgical resection was routinely done, with a 6 % recurrence rate. Abdominal wall endometriosis affects typically young women, with previous history of surgery and is responsible for periodical pain. It is successfully treated by surgery.