Your laparoscopy should be performed by a gynaecologist who is skilled and experienced in performing laparoscopics and diagnosing endometriosis — very few general practitioners have either the skills or the experience to perform laparoscopics.

Some gynaecologists believe that a diagnostic laparoscopy for endometriosis is best done just before or during a period when the disease is most active and easier to see. It may be worthwhile discussing this aspect of the timing of your laparoscopy with your gynaecologist.

It is also extremely important that you discuss with your gynaecologist before the operation precisely what she or he intends to do during your laparoscopy if endometriosis is found.

In particular, if endometriosis is found, you need to discuss whether your gynaecologist intends only to diagnose the condition at the time and defer any further surgery until you have considered all the available options or whether it is intended to proceed immediately onto laparoscopic surgery. You should indicate clearly which of the alternatives you want.

Even more importantly, you should discuss what you want your gynaecologist to do if extensive surgery is needed. For example, if organs or large cysts need to be removed do you want a laparotomy performed immediately or do you want it delayed so that you can discuss the operation and consider all your options?

If surgery is performed at the time of your diagnostic laparoscopy it avoids having to undergo the inconvenience and costs of a second period of hospitalisation, a second general anaesthetic and a second recuperation period. But it also means that you will not be able to participate in making any of the decisions regarding your surgery nor will you have the time to make the emotional and psychological adjustments associated with being diagnosed as having a chronic condition such as endometriosis.

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