Comparing surgical techniques for treating endometriomas
Official title: BLAST: a Randomized Controlled Trial on Conservative Endometrioma Surgery Using the CO2 Laser: the Combined Technique Versus CO2 Laser Vaporization Only
Run by Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · NCT04151433 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing which of two surgical methods is better at preserving a woman's ability to have children while treating endometriomas.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 92 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Antwerp and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 24, 2019 |
| Main results expected | December 2024 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 10, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT04151433 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women aged 18 to 40 with unilateral endometriotic cysts between 2.5 cm and 8 cm in diameter who are experiencing infertility or pain.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of hysterectomy, prior unilateral oophorectomy, or those with suspected malignancy may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate which of two conservative surgical techniques is more effective in preserving ovarian reserve during the treatment of endometriomas. The techniques being compared are a combined approach and CO2 laser vaporization. Ovarian reserve will be assessed through measurements of AMH serum levels taken before and after the surgery. The study targets patients who are undergoing laparoscopic surgery for endometriotic cysts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and better preservation of ovarian function for patients with endometriomas.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with similar conservative surgical approaches, indicating potential for success in this trial.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Population: patients planned for laparoscopic CO2 laser surgery for endometriotic cysts. Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 18 - 40 years (both inclusive) * Unilateral endometriotic cysts with a mean diameter of \>=2.5cm and ≤8 cm, measured in 3 dimensions. * Presence of a contralateral endometrioma of ≤ 2cm is allowed * Complaining of infertility and/or pain * BMI ≤35 * Use of contraception (combined or Progesteron only) for at least 4 weeks before surgery Exclusion Criteria: * Incomplete surgery for the pelvis * Contra-indication for the use of contraception (combined or Progesteron only) * Use of GnRH analogues preoperatively and in the first 3 months postoperatively * (History of) hysterectomy * Prior unilateral oophorectomy * Pituitary/hypothalamic disorders * Suspected malignancy * Contralateral endometrioma of \>2 cm * AMH \<0.7 preoperatively * Pregnancy
Where it's running
-
GZA Sint-Augustinus
Antwerp, Belgium Recruiting -
Cliniques universitaires Saint-LUC (UCL)
Brussels, Belgium Recruiting -
UZLeuven
Leuven, Belgium Recruiting -
CHR La Citadelle
Liège, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Carla Tomassetti, MD, PhD — Leuven University Fertility Center
- Study coordinator: Carla Tomassetti, MD, PhD
- Email: carla.tomassetti@uzleuven.be
- Phone: +3216340825
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Laparoscopic drainage plus hormonal therapy for large ovarian endometriomas
This study will test whether laparoscopic cyst drainage followed by a GnRH agonist helps women of childbearing age with ovarian endometriomas 6 cm or larger have fewer recurrences and preserve ovarian reserve.
-
Surgical options to preserve ovaries when treating endometriomas
This trial will see if different surgical methods for treating endometriomas help women who want to get pregnant have higher pregnancy and birth rates and fewer complications.
-
Ethanol sclerotherapy for treating ovarian endometriomas
This study tests if a treatment using ultrasound-guided ethanol can help women with painful ovarian cysts shrink them and reduce their symptoms.
-
Alcohol sclerotherapy for pelvic pain and quality of life in ovarian endometrioma
This trial will try ultrasound-guided alcohol sclerotherapy to see if it reduces pelvic pain and improves quality of life in women aged 18–45 with ovarian endometriomas compared with expectant management.
-
Understanding how the uterus absorbs fluid during early pregnancy
This study is trying to understand how the uterus absorbs fluid during early pregnancy in women, both with and without endometriosis, to learn more about the process.
-
Treatment options for ovarian endometrioma
This study is testing whether a new method using ethanol can treat ovarian endometriomas as well as or better than standard surgery, while also looking at how it affects women's fertility and symptoms over two years.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.