Ultrasound-guided aspiration and ethanol sclerotherapy for treating endometrial cysts

Purpose: The authors sought to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound (US)-guided aspiration and ethanol sclerotherapy in treating endometrial cysts and adopt this procedure as an alternative to surgery. Materials and methods: Fifty consecutive patients with an average age of 25.2 years [standard deviation (SD) 6.5; range 16-40 years) and US diagnosis of endometrial cyst who were pregnant or presenting with high anaesthesia risk, adhesions or who refused surgery underwent US-guided aspiration of a total of 54 endometrial cysts (40 with transabdominal approach and the remaining 14 with transvaginal approach) and ethanol sclerotherapy. Results: The procedure was successful in all patients. Follow-up imaging was carried out at 12 h, 24 h, 15 days, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. After 12 months, four patients (8%) showed recurrence, three of whom opted for a second session of US-guided aspiration and ethanol sclerotherapy. Conclusions: US-guided aspiration and sclerotherapy with 95% ethanol provides a valid alternative to surgery in treating endometrial cysts. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.