Endometriosis market research: an overview of findings in Europe and the United States.

A comparison of the surgical and medical approach to endometriosis in Europe and the United States reveals similar management strategies for the disease. Although scientific data indicate that laparoscopy alone is not a reliable method of diagnosis, this technique continues to be used in 54% and 66% of cases in Europe and the United States, respectively. The most frequently used medical treatments for endometriosis in Europe and the United States are oral contraceptives and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists are prescribed pre-surgery in 16% of cases in Europe, while 20% of cases in the USA receive leuprorelin pre-surgery. Postsurgery, this increases to 26% and 63%, respectively. Clear guidelines for the use of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of endometriosis, and the possible extended role of GnRH agonists in symptom control and treatment need to be defined.