Role and technique of nerve-sparing surgery in deep endometriosis

BackgroundNerve-sparing (NS) surgery reduces bowel, bladder and sexual dysfunction without decreasing surgical efficacy.ObjectivesThis study aimed to summarize the anatomical and surgical data of NS technique and to review the post-operative outcomes after NS surgery for deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE).Data SourcesData were collected from published research articles from MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library databases.Conclusions, implications of key findingsThe NS technique approach for DIE seems to be feasible and reproductive. In comparison to the conventional surgery (CS), it seems to demonstrate better preservation of pelvic visceral function and an improvement in quality of life with same recurrence rates. The concept of preservation of autonomic nerves during surgical treatment of DIE should become standard in reference center.