The efficacy of long-term maintenance therapy with a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system for prevention of ovarian endometrioma recurrence

Abstract Objective To evaluate the cumulative recurrence rates of ovarian endometrioma among patients using a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) after conservative laparoscopic surgery. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of premenopausal women who underwent conservative laparoscopic surgery for ovarian endometrioma and subsequent treatment with LNG-IUS at two gynecologic surgery centers in South Korea between January 1, 2007, and September 30, 2014. Eligible patients had no residual ovarian lesions before LNG-IUS insertion, underwent insertion within 12 months of primary surgery, and were followed up for at least 6 months afterwards. Recurrence was defined as a cystic mass (≥ 2 cm in diameter) detected by transvaginal ultrasonography. Results Overall, 61 patients were included. The mean duration of follow-up was 42.9 ± 22.0 months (range 8–98). Recurrence of ovarian endometrioma was detected among 7 (11%) of the patients. On Kaplan–Meier analysis, the cumulative recurrence rates were 4.0%, 6.3%, and 25.5% at 24, 36, and 60 months after surgery, respectively. In multivariate analysis, nulliparity at surgery was the only risk factor for recurrence (hazard ratio 5.892, 95% confidence interval 1.139–30.484; P = 0.034). Conclusion Long-term maintenance therapy with LNG-IUS after conservative surgery might be a treatment option to consider to prevent ovarian endometrioma recurrence among premenopausal women.