Do you need a referral for laparoscopic excision of endometriosis?

Laparoscopic excision uses small abdominal openings and surgical instruments to identify and remove visible endometriosis lesions. A specialist may review pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during sex, bowel or bladder symptoms, fertility plans, previous operations, imaging, and medicines. A referral can help transfer this history to an obstetrics and gynaecology team. It does not mean that surgery is automatically needed; the consultation is where options and goals are weighed.

Ask the intended surgical service whether it accepts self-referrals and which documents are required. Collect imaging reports, prior operation notes, symptom diaries, and a list of treatments tried. Tell the clinician about pregnancy plans, bowel or bladder symptoms, and previous pelvic surgery because these details can affect assessment and preparation. Ask who will arrange imaging, pre-operative checks, anaesthesia review, and follow-up.

Seek medical advice for pelvic pain that disrupts daily life, painful periods, pain with bowel movements or urination during periods, or difficulty becoming pregnant. Seek urgent care for sudden severe pelvic pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, fever, persistent vomiting, or inability to pass urine. These symptoms need timely assessment and should not wait for a referral to a surgical clinic.

Ask: Do I need a referral? What information should accompany it? What findings support excision rather than another option? Which organs might need assessment? What preparation and recovery support would I need?