📖 Our Endometriosis Centre
The Parietal Endometriosis Centre at Cochin AP-HP is a world reference centre for percutaneous cryoablation of abdominal wall endometriosis. Professor Anthony Dohan published the first large international series of CT-guided cryoablation for this indication in 2014. Since then, Cochin AP-HP has accumulated the largest experience in France, treating patients referred from across Europe.
Parietal endometriosis presents as a painful nodule in a previous surgical scar (most commonly a C-section scar), with cyclical pain that worsens with menstruation. Cryoablation destroys the nodule through the skin (no incision) under CT guidance, under general anaesthesia, as a day-case procedure. Efficacy: 80–95%. No patient fees at Cochin AP-HP.
🎯 Who has parietal endometriosis?
- Painful lump in or near a C-section scar — typically appears 1–3 years after delivery
- Pain cyclically worse during menstruation — the hallmark symptom
- Can also occur in laparotomy, appendicectomy, or myomectomy scars
- Confirmed by MRI or ultrasound showing T1-hyperintense nodule
- Size ≥5 mm — amenable to cryoprobe targeting
| Criterion | Cryoablation (Cochin) | Surgical excision |
|---|---|---|
| Incision | None ✓ | Yes — widened scar |
| Hospital stay | Day case ✓ | 1–3 days |
| Recovery | 5–7 days ✓ | 3–6 weeks |
| Success rate | 80–95% | 85–95% |
| Repeatable | Yes ✓ | Difficult |
| Abdominal wall | Intact ✓ | Larger scar |
❓ FAQs
In most cases (80–95%), the nodule significantly shrinks or becomes non-palpable within 3–6 months, with complete or near-complete resolution of pain. A control MRI at 3 months confirms the response.
Cryoablation treats only the abdominal wall nodule. If associated pelvic endometriosis is present, this should be assessed and managed by a gynaecologist. We coordinate with the gynaecology department at Cochin AP-HP.
Send the clinical history, MRI report and images to ri.cch@aphp.fr. We will respond within 48 working hours to arrange a teleconsultation with Professor Dohan.