Changes in the size of rectovaginal endometriotic nodules infiltrating the rectum during hormonal therapies

Purpose To evaluate the changes in the volume of rectovaginal endometriotic nodules infiltrating the rectum during 12-month treatment with hormonal therapies. Materials and methods This prospective, non-randomized, self-controlled clinical trial included patients with rectovaginal endometriotic nodules infiltrating at least the muscularis propria of the rectum, who received one of the following therapies: norethisterone acetate, triptorelin and tibolone, norethisterone acetate and letrozole, desogestrel, sequential oral contraceptive pill. The volume of the nodules was determined by virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL, GE Healthcare, USA) at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of treatment. Results Eighty-three women (90.2 %) completed the 12-month treatment. When compared with baseline values, the volume of the nodules decreased at 6-month ( p