Ultrasound detection of superficial endometriosis on the uterosacral ligaments
Official title: Ultrasound Diagnosis of Superficial Endometriosis of LUS (Uterosacral Ligaments): Definition of a Laparoscopically Validated Ultrasound Cut-off.
Run by Casa di Cura Dott. Pederzoli · NCT07427849 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The team will try to see if measuring uterosacral ligament thickness with a transvaginal ultrasound can detect superficial endometriosis in people aged 18–50 scheduled for laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Casa di Cura Dott. Pederzoli Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Naples, Napoli and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 17, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 2026 |
| Study ends | August 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07427849 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
People aged 18–50 who are scheduled for laparoscopic surgery for benign or early-stage gynecologic disease, can undergo transvaginal ultrasound, and are willing to consent are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with deeply infiltrating posterior compartment endometriosis, those unable or unwilling to have a transvaginal ultrasound, or those outside the 18–50 age range are unlikely to benefit from this specific diagnostic comparison.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, multicenter observational study in patients of childbearing age undergoing planned laparoscopic surgery for benign or early-stage malignant gynecologic conditions. Before surgery, participants will have a level II transvaginal ultrasound where three standardized thickness measurements of the uterosacral ligaments are taken and averaged, with images archived. During laparoscopic surgery, the presence or absence of superficial endometriosis at the uterosacral ligaments and other pelvic sites will be documented using a predefined grid. Ultrasound and laparoscopic findings will be compared to see if ligament thickness correlates with laparoscopically confirmed superficial endometriosis, with no changes to standard clinical care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could allow noninvasive preoperative detection of superficial endometriosis at the uterosacral ligaments, improving surgical planning and reducing diagnostic uncertainty.
How similar studies have gone: Previous ultrasound research has detected various endometriosis lesions, but using averaged uterosacral ligament thickness as a site-specific marker for superficial disease is relatively novel and not yet widely validated.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * patients who need to undergo gynecological surgery with a laparoscopic approach for benign pathology (endometriosis, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, chronic pelvic pain, benign ovarian cysts) or non-advanced malignant pathology (stage I endometrium and cervix, stage I and II ovary). * patients who performed a level II gynecological ultrasound with an experienced operator in the preoperative pathway. * technical possibility of performing a transvaginal ultrasound and the patient's willingness to undergo such an investigation. * patients of childbearing age (18 - 50 years). * Signing of informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * presence of endometriosis deeply infiltrating the posterior compartment. This may interfere with the interpretation of uterosacral ligament (LUS) thickness as a specific marker of superficial endometriosis * technical impossibility of performing a transvaginal ultrasound (patient virgo, patient refusal). * incomplete ultrasound evaluation of the uterosacral ligaments for anatomical reasons or for the presence of endometriosis nodules from other sites with partial involvement of the LUS (uterosacral ligament). * advanced malignant disease (\>Stage I for endometrium and cervix, \> Stage II for ovary) * pelvic organ prolapse * PID or other pelvic inflammatory diseases * medical emergencies (ovarian torsion, hemoperitoneum) * postmenopausal patients * previous pelvic surgery
Where it's running
-
Ospedale P. Pederzoli Casa di Cura Privata S.p.A.
Peschiera del Garda, Verona, Italy Recruiting -
Policlinico Universitario Federico II
Naples, Napoli, Italy Not yet recruiting -
Policlinico Abano Terme
Abano Terme, Padova, Italy Not yet recruiting -
Presidio ospedaliero-universitario Santa Maria della Misericordia - Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale
Udine, Udine, Italy Not yet recruiting
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Endometriosis affecting the urinary tract: long-term outcomes and kidney function
This study looks at how deep endometriosis that touches the urinary tract affects the kidneys over time in adults with hydronephrosis or ureteral blockage.
-
Impact of Endotest on Quality of Life in Endometriosis Patients
This observational cohort study tests how Endotest affects quality of life for women who have a prescription for the test.
-
Doliral food supplement for pelvic pain and quality of life in endometriosis
This trial will test whether the food supplement Doliral can reduce pelvic pain and improve quality of life for reproductive-age women with diagnosed endometriosis.
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.