Rethinking endometriosis recurrence: from clinical challenge to biological opportunity

Endometriosis postoperative recurrence remains a major clinical challenge and a poorly understood biological process, directly impacting long-term care. This narrative review integrates current knowledge on recurrence definitions, patterns, risk factors, and prevention strategies; potential predictive models and candidate biomarkers; and surgical and biological contributors to recurrence. We propose that recurrent endometriosis represents a valuable model that may help uncover disease mechanisms and guide future research toward personalized, mechanism-based management strategies.