Surgical Neuropelviology: Combined Sacral Plexus Neurolysis and Laparoscopic Laterally Extended Endopelvic Resection in Deep Lateral Pelvic Endometriosis

OBJECTIVE: Surgical demonstration of combined sacral plexus neurolysis and laparoscopic laterally extended endopelvic resection for deep lateral infiltrating endometriosis. DESIGN: Video showing principles of neurolysis and laparoscopic laterally extended endopelvic resection applied to endometriotic surgery. SETTING: University tertiary referral center. Deep infiltrating endometriosis is an underestimated disease with real medical and clinical issues, recently classified as central pelvic endometriosis and lateral pelvic endometriosis further divided into superficial and deep according to the structures' involvement [1]. The surgical removal of endometriotic foci remains the standard treatment. A wide knowledge of neuroanatomy and high skills in minimally invasive surgery are required to manage this challenging surgical scenario [2]. INTERVENTIONS: New surgical approach for deep lateral infiltrating endometriosis based on the principles of lateral extended endopelvic resection and neuropelviologic surgery [3,4]. The patient was a 35-year-old woman, para 1, with neuropathic pain radiating to the left leg and a cyclic menstrual disorder. A laparoscopically assisted neuronavigation and subsequent neurolysis allowed the identification of the lateral nodule without damage to the autonomic pelvic innervation [1]. Then, a complete resection of the internal vascular compartment was required to obtain a radical endometriotic eradication. Shaving and bladder resection were also performed to complete removal of the endometriotic foci. CONCLUSION: The association of neuroanatomic knowledge and surgical oncologic principles applied to minimally invasive surgery should be considered to ensure an adequate surgical radicality and clinical benefit in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis.