Totally Laparoscopic Intracorporeal Anastomosis With Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction (NOSE) Techniques, Particularly Suitable for Bowel Endometriosis

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the feasibility of natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) techniques in 41 patients undergoing bowel resection for treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis. In all patients laparoscopic treatment of rectovaginal endometriosis with bowel resection had been performed. In 32 patients the classic approach was adopted (group 1), and in 9 a NOSE technique was performed (group 2). Demographic, operative, and postoperative data were compared. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software, version 16.0. When needed, qualitative variables were compared using the χ2 test or the Fisher exact test. Quantitative variables using the t-test were used. The threshold of statistical significance was set at p = .05. No statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups. Eight complications (19.5%) were observed, 2 minor (4.8%) and 6 major (14.6%). Of major complications, 2 were observed in the NOSE group (n = 2; 22.2%). It was concluded that the NOSE technique is a feasible approach in patients undergoing bowel resection for treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis.