Investigating immediate pain and post surgical recovery following laparoscopic surgery for diagnosis or treatment of endometriosis

Abstract

Endometriosis is a common yet under-recognised chronic disease. Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to those that line a persons uterus grow in other parts of their body, usually around the pelvis. Although endometriosis is often effectively managed, it can lead to debilitating chronic and persistent pelvic pain and compromised fertility. It can also significantly impact the social and economic participation and psychosocial health of those affected. it is estimated that 11.4% (more than 830 000) Australian people are living with endometriosis; however, delays in diagnosis and lack of definitive research on the domestic burden of disease suggest the number could be far higher.

Surgery for endometriosis is a common procedure and randomised, placebo controlled trials have shown a benefit at 6 and 12 months following surgery, with variable changes noted in these studies in the first few months. People with endometriosis frequently report a worsening of pain following their surgery, however there are no data reporting immediate outcomes, effect on menstruation or the likely changes to expect in these first few months.

Our aim is to investigate the immediate effect of surgery on people's symptoms and provide that information in publicly available forums to improve the education and understanding of how women experience symptoms in the immediate post-operative phase of care. It is important to note that we are not establishing the long-term outcomes since these are reported in other studies.