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.