Evolution of Endometriosis Lesions Followed by Ultrasound and Quality of Life of Patients: Factors That Influence Disease Progression in a Prospective Cohort

Prior treatment

• Patients with an indication for scheduled surgical treatment within the next two years. This includes patients requiring surgery for the removal of endometriotic lesions or to address related complications.
• Patients who are unwilling to participate in the study after receiving all the information and providing their informed consent. Voluntary participation is crucial for the ethics of the study.
• Patients with serious concurrent illnesses or medical conditions that may interfere with the assessment of endometriosis, its progression, or the impact of treatment (e.g., severe chronic inflammatory diseases or cancer).
• Patients receiving concurrent treatments not permitted by the study protocol (e.g., experimental treatments for endometriosis or related conditions) that may interfere with the interpretation of the results.

Other illness

• Patients who are unwilling to undergo follow-up transvaginal ultrasound at scheduled visits (6 months, 1 year, 2 years). Ultrasound is essential for assessing disease progression and the impact of treatment.
• Patients with intellectual disabilities or conditions that impair their understanding of the study terms and procedures, which could affect their ability to provide valid informed consent.
• Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding at the time of enrollment. These conditions can influence the course of endometriosis and the response to treatment, and could complicate disease monitoring.

• Women with a confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis, based on ultrasound criteria. Diagnosis must be confirmed by transvaginal ultrasound with evidence of visible and measurable endometriotic lesions.
• Patients over 18 years of age. This criterion ensures that participants can provide informed consent and are of reproductive age, when the effects of endometriosis and its treatments are relevant to the study.
• A transvaginal ultrasound performed prior to enrollment showing endometriotic lesions (either endometriomas or deep lesions) with sufficient dimensions and characteristics for evaluation and follow-up.
• Patients who do not have an indication for scheduled surgery within the next two years. This ensures that the effects of treatment and the progression of the disease can be evaluated throughout the study follow-up period.
• Signed informed consent from the patient, indicating that she has understood the purpose of the study, the procedures involved, and the potential risks.