Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Comparative studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported the number of patients treated at the time of first surgery. The included studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs and retrospective studies.
Specific interventions included in the review
Studies of conservative surgical treatment were eligible for inclusion if the type of surgical treatment was clearly described. The included studies compared carbon dioxide laser vapourisation or coagulation at laparoscopy with excision at laparoscopy or laparotomy. In one study, danazol was used post-operatively.
Participants included in the review
Studies of women with ovarian endometriomas were eligible for inclusion. In the included studies, the mean age of the women ranged from 29 to 32 years and the mean cyst diameter at first surgery was 4 to 5 cm. All of the included studies were of women with stage III or IV endometriomas according to the revised American Fertility Society classification.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Studies that reported the number of patients with recurrent cysts were eligible for inclusion. In the included studies, recurrent endometrioma were diagnosed using repeat surgery, ultrasonography or a combination of the two methods. The review also assessed post-operative reproductive performance. The duration of follow-up ranged from 1 to 3 years.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Two reviewers independently selected the studies and resolved any disagreements by consensus.