When performing shaving of a rectal endometriotic nodule, the surgeon can use the macroscopic appearance of the nodule and the tactile feedback provided by the laparoscopic instruments to decide the area of the bowel that needs to be excised. Theoretically, compared with segmental bowel resection, the shaving technique may expose the patients to a higher risk of persistence of intestinal endometriosis. The objective of this ultrasonographic study was to assess the risk of rectal endometriosis persistence following laparoscopic shaving of rectovaginal nodules.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients underwent laparoscopic shaving of rectovaginal endometriosis infiltrating the rectum

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients underwent previous bowel surgery (except appendectomy);
• patients experienced postoperative complications (such as pelvic abscess, rectovaginal fistula, ureteral injuries)

Patients underwent shaving of rectal endometriosis