The Impact of Surgical Treatment of Endometriomas on Ovarian Reserve

The Impact of Surgical Treatment of Ovarian Endometriomas on Ovarian Reserve: a Randomised Controlled Trial of Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy Versus Cyst Ablation - a Pilot Study

The aim of this study is to assess which of two commonly used surgical procedures in the treatment of ovarian cysts called endometriomas (cutting out of the cyst - "cystectomy", or draining it and cauterising it's inner lining - "ablation") causes the least damage to the ovary and is therefore best at maintaining the future fertility potential of a patient.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for treatment of unilateral endometriomas measuring ≥ 3cm and ≤ 8cm in diameter

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have received oestrogen suppressing drugs (e.g. oral contraceptive pills, GnRHa) during the previous six months
• Patients who have previously undergone surgical treatment of endometriomas
• Patients with bilateral endometriomas
• Patients with endometriomas of less than 3cm in size or more than 8cm in size
• Pre-surgical evidence of reduced ovarian reserve
• Pregnant patients
• Patients unable to give informed consent e.g. patients with mental incapacity