Impact of surgery for endometriosis on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization

Abstract

This narrative review aims to summarize available evidence on the IVF-associated outcomes after surgery for endometriosis. Only one retrospective study investigated if surgical treatment of superficial/peritoneal endometriosis may modify the outcomes of IVF; therefore, more data are needed to confirm the benefit of surgery for this type of disease for improving ART outcomes, and to be able to support it in routine practice. Solid evidence from several meta-analyses demonstrates that surgical treatment of endometriomas does not enhance the outcomes of IVF. In contrast, surgical treatment of ovarian endometriosis may lead to a reduction in ovarian reserve, especially in cases involving bilateral endometriomas or repeated surgical procedures. Some non-randomized studies have examined if surgical treatment on deep endometriosis may influence IVF outcomes. A systematic review with meta-analysis revealed that patients who underwent surgery before IVF exhibited significantly higher pregnancy rates per patient, pregnancy rates per cycle, and live birth rates per patient compared to those without prior surgery. However, the available data are insufficient to recommend surgical excision of deep endometriosis as the first-line treatment for asymptomatic patients to enhance IVF outcomes.