RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Argon Plasma Treatment for Ovarian Endometrioma Compared to Standard Cystectomy

This study, taking place in Germany, is for women aged 18 to 40 who need surgery for ovarian endometriomas, which are cysts caused by endometriosis. It aims to compare two different surgical methods: a standard procedure called cystectomy and a newer one using argon plasma. Researchers want to understand how each treatment affects a woman's ovarian reserve, which is like her egg count, by measuring hormone levels before and after the surgery. Seventy-two patients will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two treatments. Regular follow-up appointments will check their progress over a year. The goal is to find out which treatment might be better at preserving future fertility.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH

Enrolment target

Start

26 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2027

Endometriosis

What is this study about?

This research study is looking into the best way to treat ovarian endometriomas. These are cysts that can form on the ovaries in women who have endometriosis. Endometriosis is a common condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside of it, often causing pain and sometimes affecting fertility.

The main aim of this study is to compare two surgical methods for treating these cysts: a "standard cystectomy" (which is a common way to remove the cyst) and a newer method called "argon plasma coagulation" (APC). The researchers want to find out if one method is better than the other at protecting a woman's ovarian reserve. Your ovarian reserve is essentially an indicator of how many eggs you have left, which is important if you're thinking about future pregnancies. They will measure a hormone called AMH in your blood, which gives an idea of your ovarian reserve.

Seventy-two women will take part in this study in Germany. If you join, you'll be randomly chosen to receive either the standard surgery or the APC treatment. There's a 50/50 chance of getting either. The study will carefully track changes in your AMH levels for a year after surgery to see how each treatment affects your egg count. This research is important because it could help doctors understand which surgical option is best for women with ovarian endometriomas, especially those concerned about their fertility.

Key takeaways

Compares two surgical treatments for ovarian endometriomas.
Aims to see how each surgery affects a woman's egg count (ovarian reserve).
For women aged 18-40 needing surgery for these cysts.
Participation involves surgery and follow-up appointments over one year.
You'll be randomly assigned to one of the two treatments.
The study takes place in Tuebingen, Germany.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to be a woman between the ages of 18 and 40 who needs surgery for an ovarian endometrioma based on your symptoms. You also need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part by signing a consent form.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've already had surgery on your ovaries before, or if you have endometriomas that have come back on your ovaries after previous treatment, you wouldn't be suitable. However, if you have other types of endometriosis that have come back elsewhere, you might still be able to join. Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are already taking part in another study that could affect your AMH levels (the hormone they are measuring), you wouldn't be eligible. Lastly, if there's a reason the researchers think you might not be able to complete all parts of the study, you wouldn't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman between 18 and 40 years old?
Do you need surgery for an ovarian endometrioma?
Have you NOT had previous surgery on your ovaries?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you NOT already in another study that could affect your hormone levels?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll have several appointments over about a year. Your first visit (Visit 1) is for screening, where they'll check if you meet all the study requirements. After that, at Visit 2, you'll have the surgery itself, where you'll receive either the standard cystectomy or the argon plasma treatment for your ovarian endometrioma. Any other endometriosis found will be treated with the standard surgical approach.

You'll then have follow-up visits. Visits 3 and 4 will be at the study site after three and six months, respectively, where they will check your progress and measure your AMH levels. Your final follow-up, Visit 5, will happen after twelve months and will be a phone call instead of a clinic visit. The total duration of your active participation, from screening to the final phone call, will be about one year.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the benefit of having your ovarian endometrioma treated by experienced medical professionals. You would also receive close monitoring of your ovarian reserve, which might provide valuable information about your future fertility. As with any surgery, there are general risks involved, such as infection, bleeding, or reactions to anaesthesia, which your doctor will explain fully. The study aims to compare two treatments, and while one might be newer, the potential long-term effects on ovarian reserve are what the researchers are trying to understand. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Department for Women's Health
Verified postcode
Tübingen, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an ovarian endometrioma?

It's a type of cyst that forms on the ovary due to endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside the womb.

What is AMH and why are they measuring it?

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is a hormone in your blood that tells doctors about your ovarian reserve, meaning how many eggs you have. They're measuring it to see how surgery affects your potential for future pregnancies.

Will I get to choose which surgery I have?

No, you will be randomly assigned to either the standard surgery or the argon plasma treatment. There's a 50/50 chance of getting either.

Where is this study taking place?

This study is being conducted at the Department for Women's Health in Tuebingen, Germany.

How many visits will I need to attend?

You will have two in-person visits before surgery, plus two more in-person follow-up visits, and one final follow-up over the phone, totalling five contacts over a year.

How to find out more

Vanessa Steinmetz

vanessa.steinmetz@erbe-med.com +49 70717552850 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.