Objective: A computer based, temperature controlled bipolar coagulation system has been developed.
Study design: Endometriosis was induced in 39 mature female rats by means of transplantation of endometrium on the peritoneal wall near the ovary. Three weeks later, all the rats were laparotomized and they were randomized into five groups according to treatment; an untreated group, a group with microsurgical treatment and three groups with electrocoagulation at different temperatures (70, 85 and approximately 300 degrees C). Three weeks after these treatments they made pregnant after daily examinations of vaginal smear. At the ninth day of pregnancy, they were laparotomized again, the number of fetus was recorded and the implants were examined for their size and histology.
Results: In the untreated group, the size of implantation was decreased significantly, which suggested a hormone dependent nature for this tissue. No further endometriosis was observed in any of the rats treated with either microsurgical removal or electrocoagulation at any temperatures examined. There was no significant difference in the number of fetus in the treated groups.
Conclusion: Electrocoagulation at a low temperature is as effective as microsurgery or electrocoagulation at a high temperature for the treatment of endometriosis.