A 33-year-old woman with deep infiltrating endometriosis reports cyclic hematochezia and tenesmus during menstruation. Colonoscopy reveals a submucosal lesion in the rectosigmoid without mucosal involvement. Which segment of the bowel is most commonly affected in gastrointestinal endometriosis?
- A Appendix
- B Sigmoid colon and rectum ✓
- C Terminal ileum
- D Cecum
Correct answer: B. Sigmoid colon and rectum
Explanation
The rectosigmoid colon is the most common site of gastrointestinal endometriosis, involved in approximately 70 to 80 percent of bowel cases. Lesions typically involve the serosa and muscularis propria, sparing the mucosa, which explains normal colonoscopy findings. The appendix is the second most common site. Terminal ileum and cecum are less frequently involved.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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