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Semin Reprod Med 1997; 15(3): 235-244
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1068753
Copyright © 1997 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Classification of Endometriosis

Mark A. Damario* , John A. Rock†
  • *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota and
  • †Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
15 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Classification systems for endometriosis continue to evolve. Past systems have been modeled primarily after those in use for grading malignant disease. Unfortunately, classification methods that attempted to quantitate the severity of disease have suffered from only modest predictability in determining outcome. The 1985 revised American Fertility Society classification system is limited by scoring arbitrariness, potential for observational error, limited reproductivity, failure to consider lesion morphologic type and a particularly poor correlation with pelvic pain. These shortcomings are being presently addressed.

Keywords:

Endometriosis - classification - staging - pathophysiology

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