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Cochin Hospital · AP-HP · Université Paris Cité
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Cochin AP-HP

Parietal Endometriosis Centre — Paris, Cochin AP-HP

Interventional Radiology · Cochin Hospital AP-HP · Paris

🏥 Pioneering Centre Worldwide

Parietal Endometriosis Centre — Cryoablation, Cochin AP-HP

One of the world's leading centres · C-section scar · No surgery · 80–95% efficacy · General anaesthesia · Paris

Our Endometriosis Centre

The Parietal Endometriosis Centre at Cochin AP-HP is one of the pioneering centres worldwide for percutaneous cryoablation of abdominal wall endometriosis. Professor Anthony Dohan and his team have published extensively on CT-guided cryoablation for this indication, and Cochin AP-HP has accumulated one of the largest experiences worldwide, 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
CriterionCryoablation (Cochin)Surgical excision
IncisionNone ✓Yes — widened scar
Hospital stayDay case ✓1–3 days
Recovery5–7 days ✓3–6 weeks
Success rate80–95%85–95%
RepeatableYes ✓Difficult
Abdominal wallIntact ✓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.

Frequently asked questions

Our centre focuses particularly on abdominal wall (parietal) endometriosis, often on a caesarean scar, treated by percutaneous cryoablation. We work closely with gynaecology for deep and ovarian endometriosis.
No. It is performed through fine needles under CT or ultrasound guidance, without reopening the surgical scar.
Yes. At Cochin AP-HP (a French public hospital), procedures are covered by national health insurance with no out-of-pocket fees. Contact ri.cch@aphp.fr or +33 1 58 41 46 12.

Related pages

Why this page is trustworthy

Written by the Interventional Radiology team at Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité. Medically reviewed by an interventional radiologist of the department. Last updated: August 2026.

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