The Integrative Role of Gynecological Ultrasound in Surgical Planning and Treatment of Endometriosis

Gynecological ultrasound has advanced significantly from a solely diagnostic instrument to becoming a pivotal element in personalized gynecologic surgery. High-resolution transvaginal sonography is particularly useful in identifying deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) in the retrocervical region and the posterior compartment, including the uterosacral ligaments, rectovaginal septum, and bowel. Additionally, the ultrasonic recognition of adenomyosis complements the preoperative assessment in patients with coexistent uterine diseases. These advancements facilitate not only early diagnosis but also precise surgical planning, integral to the field of minimally invasive gynecology where optimizing patient selection and precise lesion mapping are crucial for complete excision, minimizing recurrence, and preserving fertility.

This Research Topic aims to investigate the integrative role of gynecological ultrasound in the preoperative assessment, surgical planning, and intraoperative guidance for minimally invasive surgery in endometriosis patients. We intend to focus on the diagnostic proficiency of ultrasound in detecting deep endometriotic lesions, posterior compartment involvement, and adenomyosis. Additionally, this research will highlight how ultrasound tailors surgical approaches to accommodate individual anatomical and reproductive requirements. We will also discuss contemporary challenges, such as the standardization of ultrasound classification systems like #Enzian and MUSA, the integration of AI and machine learning, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between imaging specialists and endoscopic surgeons.

To gather further insights into ultrasound's role in endometriosis surgical planning, we welcome articles addressing the following themes:
• Advances in ultrasound techniques for detecting DIE (e.g., sliding sign, soft markers, sonovaginography);
• Diagnostic criteria and scoring systems for adenomyosis in ultrasound;
• Correlation between imaging findings and surgical outcomes;
• Use of intraoperative ultrasound or navigation systems;
• Integration of ultrasound and MRI in surgical planning;
• Artificial intelligence and radiomics applied to gynecological imaging;
• Training challenges and inter-operator variability;
• Outcomes of ultrasound-guided vs. non-guided surgical strategies.

We welcome submissions of various types, including original research studies, clinical trials, reviews, methods, perspectives, and expert commentaries.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Endometriosis; Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis; Gynecological Ultrasound; Adenomyosis; Minimally Invasive Surgery; Surgical Planning; Posterior Compartment; Imaging-guided Treatment; Personalized Gynecologic Surgery, Surgical Outcomes

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.