Questionnaire-based evaluation of sexual life after laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis: a systematic review of prospective studies

TY - JOUR

T1 - Questionnaire-based evaluation of sexual life after laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis

T2 - a systematic review of prospective studies

AU - Franck, Cecilie

AU - Poulsen, Marlene H

AU - Karampas, Grigorios

AU - Giraldi, Annamaria

AU - Rudnicki, Martin

PY - 2018/9

Y1 - 2018/9

N2 - INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is a benign disease that affects women of reproductive age. Laparoscopic excision of endometriotic implants is considered one of the most effective therapeutic options. The disease and its treatment can have a major impact on psychosexual well-being but this is often overlooked as most studies focus on pain instead of sexuality in a holistic approach. The aim of this study was to review the current literature regarding the effect of laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis on quality of sexual life (QoSL).MATERIAL AND METHODS: Following the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" guidelines we conducted a systematic review that involved searching PubMed and Embase databases for prospective studies evaluating the effect of laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis on QoSL, using validated questionnaires.RESULTS: Of 357 papers, 17 were selected for full text evaluation. Twelve studies using seven different questionnaires fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All studies reported improvements in QoSL following laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis. A meta-analysis could not be performed due to substantial heterogeneity among the included studies arising from differences in questionnaires, follow-up duration, stages of endometriosis, use of hormonal treatment, and missing data.CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic excision of endometriosis can improve QoSL. However, there is a need for randomized controlled trials based on a new validated questionnaire regarding specifically QoSL in association with endometriosis. As sexual functioning is a complex phenomenon driven by multiple physical, psychological and social factors, QoSL should be holistically evaluated by a team of different healthcare providers, implementing treatment programs that are individualized to each woman.

AB - INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is a benign disease that affects women of reproductive age. Laparoscopic excision of endometriotic implants is considered one of the most effective therapeutic options. The disease and its treatment can have a major impact on psychosexual well-being but this is often overlooked as most studies focus on pain instead of sexuality in a holistic approach. The aim of this study was to review the current literature regarding the effect of laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis on quality of sexual life (QoSL).MATERIAL AND METHODS: Following the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" guidelines we conducted a systematic review that involved searching PubMed and Embase databases for prospective studies evaluating the effect of laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis on QoSL, using validated questionnaires.RESULTS: Of 357 papers, 17 were selected for full text evaluation. Twelve studies using seven different questionnaires fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All studies reported improvements in QoSL following laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis. A meta-analysis could not be performed due to substantial heterogeneity among the included studies arising from differences in questionnaires, follow-up duration, stages of endometriosis, use of hormonal treatment, and missing data.CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic excision of endometriosis can improve QoSL. However, there is a need for randomized controlled trials based on a new validated questionnaire regarding specifically QoSL in association with endometriosis. As sexual functioning is a complex phenomenon driven by multiple physical, psychological and social factors, QoSL should be holistically evaluated by a team of different healthcare providers, implementing treatment programs that are individualized to each woman.

U2 - 10.1111/aogs.13369

DO - 10.1111/aogs.13369

M3 - Review

C2 - 29754435

SN - 0001-6349

VL - 97

SP - 1091

EP - 1104

JO - Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica

JF - Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica

IS - 9

ER -