Based on the best evidence available, we have provided guidelines for clinical practice to target the nature of endometriosis as a disease, the consequences of its natural history on management, and the clinical and imaging evaluation of the disease according to the level of care (primary care, specialized or referral). The frequency of endometriosis is unknown in the general population; endometriosis requires management when it causes symptoms (pain, infertility) or when it affect the function of an organ. In the absence of symptom, there is no need for follow-up or screening of the disease. Endometriosis may be responsible for various pain symptoms such as severe dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, painful bowel movements or low urinary tract signs increasing with menstruation, or infertility. A careful evaluation of the symptoms and their impact on the quality of life should be made. The first-line examinations for the diagnosis of endometriosis are: digital examination and pelvic ultrasound. The second-line examinations are: the pelvic exam by an expert clinician, the pelvic MRI and/or the transvaginal ultrasound by an expert. MRI and ultrasound carrying different and complementary information. Other examinations may be considered as part of the pre-therapeutic assessment of the disease in case of specialized care. Diagnostic laparoscopy may be suggested in case of clinical suspicion of endometriosis whereas preoperative examinations have not proved the disease, it must be part of a management plan of endometriosis-related pain or infertility. During management, it is recommended to give comprehensive information on the different therapeutic alternatives, the benefits and risks expected from each treatment, the risk of recurrence, fertility, especially before surgery. The information must be personalized and take into account the expectations and preferences of the patient, and accompanied by an information notice given to the patient.
Keywords: Counselling; Cœlioscopie diagnostique; Diagnostic d’endométriose; Diagnostic laparoscopy; Douleur pelvienne; Dysmenorrhea; Dysménorrhée; Dyspareunia; Dyspareunie; Endometriosis diagnosis; Examen pelvien; Guidelines; Health-related quality of life; IRM; Information; MRI; Pelvic examination; Pelvic pain; Qualité de vie liée à la santé; Questionnaire; Recommandations; Transvaginal ultrasound; Échographie vaginale.
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