[Clinical characteristics of abdominal wall endometrioma and its recurrence-related factors].

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics, and treatment, recurrence-related factors of abdominal wall endometriomas (AWE).

Methods: Fifty-seven cases of AWE treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1983 to 2002 were reviewed.

Results: The incidence of AWE was 1.04% (57/5478) in patients with endometriosis after surgical treatment. It was 0.046% in patients undergoing cesarean section in the same period. Of 57 cases with AWE, 56 had low-abdominal operation previously and one was primary umbilicus endometrioma. Fifty-five cases of AWE were secondary to cesarean section. The latent period of AWE was positively correlated to patient's age at onset (P < 0.001). Fifty-five cases received surgical treatment while 2 were given medical treatment. Follow-up duration was 1.1 - 235 months. Five cases recurred and one was transformed to malignancy. The recurrence was correlated to the size and depth of the lesions.

Conclusions: AWE could be diagnosed prior to operation according to its typical clinical manifestations. Ultrasonic examination may be valuable for the diagnosis of atypical cases. Surgical treatment is effective. A complete excision with clear margin is very important to prevent recurrence.