Reproductive outcome after laparoscopic treatment of minimal and mild endometriosis using Helica Thermal Coagulator

ObjectiveTo investigate the reproductive outcome following Helica Thermal Coagulator (Helica TC) in an infertile population with early-stage endometriosis.DesignA clinical observational trial conducted in a NHS tertiary referral centre for treatment of endometriosis. Forty-four healthy infertile women (mean age 21 years, range 18–34 years) with laparoscopically confirmed diagnosis of minimal (stage I) or mild (stage II) endometriosis were included. All visible endometriotic lesions and adhesions were treated using Helica TC at the same time of diagnostic laparoscopy. Following laparoscopy, women attempted to conceive spontaneously and were followed for 12 months or until delivery. No hormonal therapy for endometriosis was given whatsoever.ResultsOne woman was lost to follow-up and the remaining 43 women were considered in the final analysis. The cumulative pregnancy rate was 23.2% (10/43). All pregnancies occurred spontaneously and neither miscarriages nor ectopic pregnancies were observed. Pregnancy rate did not differ between women with stage I and those with stage II endometriosis. The time-to-pregnancy was similar in women with different stage endometriosis. No surgical complications were encountered.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that Helica TC is a simple and safe conservative laparoscopic surgery for early-stage endometriosis. Helica TC appears to improve reproductive outcome in women with otherwise unexplained infertility. Large RCTs are needed to define these preliminary data.