Bowel endometriosis: Recent insights and unsolved problems

Figure 1 Section of a bowel endometriotic nodule, hemeatoxylin eosin staining demonstrates the nodule infiltrate the mucosa.

Figure 2 Sections of an intestinal endometriotic nodule demonstrating the thickening of the bowel wall caused by the endometriotic nodule.

Figure 3 Magnetic resonance imaging, T2W sagittal image. A nodule infiltrating the rectum is well detectable (arrow). Enhancement of the nodule is observed after injection of iodinated contrast medium.

Figure 4 Magnetic resonance imaging enteroclysis. The rectosigmoid is distended by using 250-300 mL of ultrasonographic gel diluted with saline solution; the 20-Fr Foley catheter used for retrograde distension can be observed in the figure. The fluid solution has a biphasic behavior on MR sequences: hypointense in T1W images and hyperintense in T2W images. A small rectovaginal endometriotic nodule (larger diameter 12 mm) is observed (arrow).

Figure 5 Multidetector computerized tomography enteroclysis, coronal reconstruction. Endometriotic nodule infiltrating the muscularis propria of the sigmoid (shown by the arrowheads); the mucosa is not infiltrated.

Figure 6 Multidetector computerized tomography enteroclysis, the arrow shows an endometriotic nodule infiltrating the ileum.

Figure 7 Nodulectomy, the endometriotic nodule is shown by the asterisk.

Figure 8 A mechanic circular stapler inserted transrectally is used to perform an end-to-end anastomosis.