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STUDY QUESTION What are the fertility outcomes in women wishing to conceive after experiencing a severe complication from surgical removal of colorectal endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER The pregnancy rate (PR) among women who wished to conceive after a severe complication of surgery for colorectal endometriosis was 41.2% (spontaneously for 80%, after ART procedure for 20%). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY While the long-term benefit of surgery on pain and quality of life is well documented for women with colorectal endometriosis, it exposes women to the risk of severe complications. However, little is known about fertility outcomes in women experiencing such severe postoperative complications. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This retrospective cohort study included women who experienced a severe complication after surgery for colorectal endometriosis between January 2004 and June 2014, and who wished to conceive. A total of 53 patients met the inclusion criteria. The fertility outcome was available for 48 women, who were therefore included in the analysis. The median follow-up was 5 years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All the women underwent complete removal of colorectal endometriosis. Postoperative severe complications were defined as grades III-IV of the Clavien-Dindo classification. Fertility outcomes, PR and cumulative pregnancy rate (CPR), were estimated. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Most women experienced a grade IIIb complication (83.3%). Of 48 women, 20 became pregnant (overall PR: 41.2%); spontaneously for 16 (80%) and after ART procedure for 4 (20%). The median interval between surgery and first pregnancy was 3 years. The live birth rate was 14/48 (29.2%). The 5-year CPR was 46%. A lower CPR was found for women who experienced anastomotic leakage (with or without rectovaginal fistula) (P = 0.02) or deep pelvic abscess (with or without anastomotic leakage) (P = 0.04). LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Due to a lack of information, no sub-analysis was done to investigate other parameters potentially impacting fertility outcomes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The PR for our population was slightly lower to that observed in the literature for women who experience such surgery without consideration for the occurrence of complications. However, 'severe complications' covers a range of conditions which are likely to have a very different impacts on fertility. Even if the PR and CPR appear satisfactory, septic complications can negatively impact fertility outcomes. Rapid ART may be a good option for these patients. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No funding was required for the current study. Pr H. Roman reported personal fees from Plasma Surgical Inc. (Roswell, GA, USA) for participating in a symposium and a masterclass, in which he presented his experience in the use of PlasmaJet®. None of the other authors declared any conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.

STUDY QUESTION What are the recurrence and pregnancy rates in women managed for ovarian endometrioma by ablation using plasma energy with and without associated surgery for colorectal endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER Concomitant management of colorectal endometriosis does not impact either risk of recurrences or probability of pregnancy in women managed for endometrioma ablation using plasma energy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY No consensus exists on how best to manage patients presenting with ovarian endometriomas and colorectal endometriosis, in terms of impact on fertility preservation and recurrence rates. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective series of consecutive patients managed for ovarian endometriomas by ablation using plasma energy, over a period of 48 consecutive months. The study included patients with associated colorectal endometriosis (n = 52) and those who were free of colorectal localizations of the disease (n = 72). No women were lost to follow-up. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The 124 women included in this study were managed for either unilateral or bilateral ovarian endometriomas using plasma energy at a university tertiary care center. Recurrences and pregnancy rate were compared in patients with and without colorectal endometriosis. The minimum length of follow-up was 1 year. Cyst recurrences were assessed using pelvic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Kaplan-Meier and actuarial life-table analysis were used to estimate the recurrence-free survival curve and the probability of pregnancy. The Cox model was used to assess independent predictive factors for recurrences. Pregnancy likelihood and independent predictors were estimated using a regression logistic model. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Mean follow-up was 32 ± 18 months. Forty-eight patients (40.3%) were presumed infertile and attended an assisted reproductive techniques (ART) center. Eighteen patients presented with a recurrence (14.5%). Bilateral localization of endometriomas was the only factor independently related to an increased risk of recurrences [hazard ratio 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-9.4]. Of the 83 women wishing to conceive (66.9%), 51 became pregnant (61.4%) and 33 of these pregnancies were spontaneous (64.7%). The rates of pregnancy were 65.8% for the group of patients with associated colorectal endometriosis and 57.8% for controls (P = 0.50). Age over 35 years was the only independent factor for which association with pregnancy rates approached the significance threshold (adjusted odds ratio 0.35, 95% CI 0.12-1, P = 0.06). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The study sample size may be insufficient to reveal statistically significant differences related to risk factors which have low impact on the probability of recurrence and pregnancy. Data on ovarian reserve before and after the procedure was not available in all patients, which would have added to our results and the discussion about treatment of endometrioma in general. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Concomitant management of colorectal endometriosis does not impact either risk of recurrences or the probability of pregnancy in women having benefited from ovarian endometrioma ablation using plasma energy. Moreover, surgical management of colorectal and ovarian endometriosis may allow spontaneous conception in one out of three patients, thus reducing expenses related to ART management. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS No financial support was received for this study. Horace Roman reports personal fees for participating in a symposium and masterclass presenting his experience in the use of PlasmaJet.