Access to names of experts in imaging of deep endometriosis which hopefully will expedite referrals to endo centres

[Lindle]

The BSGE had a webinar the other day and asked for questions to be put on their Instagram post. I put several on on behalf of not just members of the UK endo guidance and info group I run but for the benefit all those in the UK with endo.

One of them was about the difficulty we have identifying experts in imaging of severe endo. For some time we have been compiling a list of those we know or become aware of but it is so difficult to find them with just google to rely on. Members have often been paying what is a relatively little cost of such an expert scan (typically £300 - £400), compared say to the cost of a private lap, in order to get a diagnosis of severe endo to then qualify for referral to a centre on the NHS. But most of them are in the south that we have identified, apart from one in Leeds.

In view of the increasing importance of pre-lap imaging, which is all the more relevant now that the ESHRE guideline emphasises the need for a combined diagnostic process with the diagnostic lap no longer the gold standard, we asked that the BSGE to include named entries for such imaging experts on the BSGE centre listings, the same as they name the others in the multidisciplinary teams. This would then enable those with suspected deep endo to get private scans done or NHS referrals to speed up the process of getting a referral to a centre when severe endo is diagnosed by imaging.

We have had an instant result!! They have now added 'radiologist' to their lists and are working through putting names on.

[Chinaxo]

Thank you Linda for all that you do x

[Sandib007]

Brilliant news. Thank you Linda for all you do within the endo community. Xx

[SimplyDeeDee]

Amazing work and thank you for pushing for answers.

[pinkminido]

Hello-I am living in China-had troubles with pelvic pain and urinary symptoms for over three years. Have had a cystoscopy (possible IC diagnosed) and countless MRI and CT scans etc to eliminate other issues. But only a fibroid and possible endomateriol cyst on the left ovary and some kind of adhesions beside ovary on ultrasound. After several lupron shots that work to a certain extent but still leave urinary symptoms and issues- I thought next steps would be invasive Lap-but can I ask what is the current gold standard for diagnosis of endometriosis with regard to medical imaging. Many thanks indeed. Desperate in Shanghai!

[Lindle in reply to pinkminido]

In the UK you would be given an expert scan prior to a lap in an endo centre. Regular scans don't show the extent of deep endo. This is based on the ESHRE guideline but I don't know what applies in China. I hope you can get some help.

eshre.eu/Guidelines-and-Leg...

[pinkminido]

Do you know what type of scan I could ask for...the public hospitals are actually likely to have more cases and specialist equipment/scanners-but it would be good to know what scanner they use? I'm not sure if it is endo as my bladder symptoms are worsening again-despite the lupron. So I am reticent to go for lap should I actually be more and IC pelvic pain case! Thanks so much for replying. I found this site and for once felt that I was not alone!

[MalachiteAli]

This is brilliant news. Thank you!