ENDOMETRIOSIS AND INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES: CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND SURGICAL POSSIBILITIES

Abstract

Introduction: Endometriosis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic conditions that share inflammatory features, overlapping symptoms, and diagnostic challenges. Endometriosis affects a significant proportion of women of reproductive age, causing chronic pelvic pain, infertility and compromised quality of life. IBD, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic intestinal diseases that also cause abdominal pain, diarrhea and systemic complications. The coexistence of these diseases in the same patient worsens the clinical picture and complicates therapeutic management. Thus, the literature has emphasized the need for a deeper understanding of the interactions between these pathologies, as well as the development of more effective and personalized therapeutic approaches. Objective: The objective of this systematic literature review was to analyze the intersection between endometriosis and inflammatory bowel diseases, exploring their clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and the most appropriate therapeutic options for patients who present both conditions. Methodology: The methodology followed the PRISMA checklist, covering a comprehensive search in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases. The following descriptors were used: "endometriosis", "inflammatory bowel diseases", "coexistence", "treatment" and "diagnosis". Inclusion criteria consisted of studies published in the last ten years, articles that directly addressed the relationship between the two conditions, and clinical studies that analyzed therapeutic interventions. Exclusion criteria included studies published before 2013, articles that did not explicitly mention the interaction between endometriosis and IBD, and studies with sample sizes smaller than 50 patients. Results: The results showed that the coexistence of endometriosis and IBD significantly complicates the diagnosis, leading to delays in treatment and increased morbidity. Current therapeutic strategies have proven to be effective, but limited, especially in the management of overlapping symptoms. Hormone therapy for endometriosis can worsen IBD, and surgery, although effective, requires careful planning due to possible complications. Conclusion: It was concluded that the coexistence of endometriosis and IBD requires a multidisciplinary and personalized approach, with greater emphasis on individualizing treatment and psychological support. Future studies are needed to develop more effective therapies and improve patients' quality of life.