Isolated infiltrative endometriosis of the sciatic nerve: a report of three patients

Objective: To report that isolated endometriosis of the sciatic nerve without further manifestation of endometriosis does exist. Design: We describe our technique of laparoscopic neurolysis of the sciatic nerve and the sacral plexus. Setting: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, St. Elisabeth Hospital, affiliated with the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. Patient(s): Three female patients with isolated endometriotic infiltration of the endopelvic portion of the sciatic nerve. Intervention(s): Elective laparoscopic neurolysis of the sciatic nerve with removal of endometriosis. Main Outcome Measure(s): Disparition of pain in the patients and histologic information of the endometriosis. Result(s): Isolated endometriosis of the sciatic nerve and/or the sacral plexus does exist without any further endometriosis genitalis externa manifestations. Conclusion(s): In young patients with sciatica of an unknown genesis, an endometriosis of the sciatic nerve must be evoked, and a laparoscopic exploration of the sciatic nerve must be discussed. © 2007 American Society for Reproductive Medicine.