Which diagnostic procedure is used to confirm a diagnosis of endometriosis?

Laparoscopy is the gold standard diagnostic procedure for confirming endometriosis. This minimally invasive surgical procedure involves inserting a laparoscope, which is a thin, lighted tube with a camera, through small incisions in the abdomen. It allows direct visualization of the pelvic organs and surfaces, where endometrial tissue outside the uterus can be identified. Additionally, laparoscopy can enable biopsy of any suspicious lesions, providing not only diagnostic confirmation but also the opportunity for treatment if necessary.

While MRI can be useful in providing detailed images of the pelvic area and helping to identify endometrial deposits, it is not definitive for diagnosis. Ultrasound can also be helpful in assessing ovarian cysts related to endometriosis but often lacks the sensitivity to detect all lesions associated with the condition. X-rays are not typically used in the diagnosis of endometriosis, as they do not provide the necessary detail of soft tissues in the pelvis. Thus, laparoscopy remains the most definitive and commonly used method to confirm endometriosis.