The culmination of a major international collaboration spanning three years has resulted in the publication of an International Consensus Statement on the use of non-invasive imaging techniques for the diagnosis and classification of pelvic deep endometriosis.
The intersociety manuscript on endometriosis imaging and classification brings together the collective views of seven societies, including:
• International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG)
• European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE)
• European Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE)
• American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL)
• International Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy (ISGE)
• European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR)
• European Endometriosis League (EEL)
This is the first time such an intersociety consensus has united the perspectives of International Sonologists, Radiologists, Gynaecological Surgeons and Fertility Specialists from Europe, North America and Australasia in the field of endometriosis.
It highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in advancing scientific understanding. As emphasised by Prof. Gernot Hudelist, “joint forces are stronger,” highlighting the power of collaboration in reaching a consensus on non-invasive diagnostic procedures and the classification of endometriosis.
Co-author Prof. George Condous emphasises the recognition of the need for all women with symptomatic endometriosis considering surgery to undergo an expert deep endometriosis ultrasound pre-surgery.
Prof. George Condous continues to illuminate the importance of this work, stating that, ‘Ultrasound, which is a non-invasive diagnostic tool, will have the potential to impact on the surgical outcomes ensuring that those with high stage endometriosis can be reliably triaged to endometriosis centres for their multidisciplinary care.’
This collaborative effort plays a pivotal role in improving health outcomes for women, as ultrasound has the potential to reduce the diagnostic delay for women with endometriosis by up to 8 years.
Prof. Gernot Hudelist continues to reinforce the importance of 'ultrasound as the first-line imaging technique for the non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis.' Additionally commenting that 'several classifications for surgical staging of endometriosis have been suggested: # Enzian classification can also be recommended for non-invasive imaging purposes.'
Overall, this consensus statement serves as a testament to the power of collective effort in driving progress and innovation in women's health.
Read the open-access ISUOG Consensus Statement.