Laparoscopy in North West England

[Reid_Zoey]

Hi all,

I’ve very recently been to see a specialist and have partially been diagnosed with endo (as expected), and I’m so relieved that someone actually listened and confirmed that I’m not just “making it up” and the pain “isn’t bad enough to do anything about”. It’s still not definite as to the stage I’m in and they’re wanting to do a laparoscopy to make things a bit clearer before looking to address it.

I’m just wondering if anyone has any guidance on where to get a diagnostic laparoscopy done privately in the North West that isn’t going to cost me an arm and a leg. I’m not sure whether the same will be for all, but the two I have queried about are around £5000 for the procedure alone, not including the service fees and staffing on the day. I’m wondering if anyone knows of any in this area that are less than that or whether that’s now the baseline for most in the UK.

I could wait the two year waiting times for the procedure to be done by the NHS, but based on the severity of my symptoms and my family history with endo, the few consultants I’ve seen are concerned about me waiting the 2 years to then find some damage has been done that could have been avoided with early diagnosis and treatment. I’m still quite young (24 years old) and I was really keen to get this managed and monitored as quickly as possible to reduce the effects as much as I could. But the pricing of private procedures makes me wonder if it’s actually feasible.

Thanks all

[Tangoandmax]

Hi! Can I ask how they have provisionally diagnosed? Was it results of an MRI scan?

I only ask as I saw a private specialist prior to waiting for my BGSE centre specialist, their attitude was very pushy on surgery, some are entirely money focussed. I’m always wary where surgery is offered as a first step, unless it’s purely diagnostic because all scans have shown nothing.

If you’re wanting to go private, I’d just ensure it’s a BSGE accredited consultant, you can find them listed on the BSGE website, it has a tool to show you centres/teams in your local area. From there you can check on circle health where they practice privately/book a consult. (Sorry if you already know all this lol)

My accredited centre is a year waiting list for surgery, it may also be worth ringing round to see who’s less inundated and asking to be referred on the NHS to them instead x

[ClaudiaGrace]

Hi,

I think sadly they do cost an arm and a leg, 5k sounds about right from my own enquiries. For that reason it is much more cost effective to have the excision/treatment done during the same surgery, which is how the NHS tends to do it in my experience. It makes it unnerving as you’re committing to an unknown surgery because it depends what they find but if you pay 5k for a diagnostic lap and they find something you can bet they’re going to suggest a further lap to remove which could cost more like 10k depending on how involved the surgery is and what other professionals need to be there e.g bowel specialist.

I also agree with Tangoandmax I’d be cautious about private surgeons jumping straight to suggest surgery. Surgery doesn’t solve everything and carries risk, I was always told the decision should therefore be about symptom management, it’s a balance of whether the severity of your symptoms warrants the risks of the surgery.

What has anyone offered you or suggested to manage the condition in the mean time?

[Chel91]

I wouldn't do a diagnostic lap. I'd do everything in one surgery if you can. It's definitely worth looking for the best surgeon, not just the cheapest place. If you have severe period pain and pelvic pain it's really likely you do have endo. I find the NHS doing diagnostic only surgeries a bit cruel, because it's still major surgery, with risks and pain even when they don't remove anything.

I had my surgery done privately with a top specialist that I traveled specifically to see. I've had zero pain or period pain since 3 days post surgery (my first period started 3 days after surgery). It's the first time in my life I didn't even feel it start. I'm still pain free 2-3 years later. So many women I see complain of needing multiple surgeries, not getting a full resolution of pain, but I think sometimes surgical fault / lack of skill can be part of that from what I've read. Not always, but it highlights the need to get a very skilled surgeon. Have you looked into the Nancy's Nook FB group? They have a surgeon list and reviews posted. It's more international based, but there are also still several UK surgeons that post regularly. If you can find a surgeon that is both BGSE and private with great reviews it would probably be a good option (and worth the expense if you can). I would caution against just going to your local Spire or whatever private hospital and paying whoever, they probably won't be very skilled. I've also heard of ladies going to Athens or elsewhere from surgeons from the Nook list and having really good experiences. Plus maybe cheaper.

I feel like some are set on or stuck on having to do the BSGE / NHS pathway, but I see so many bad outcomes from this. Ladies waiting years, having to beg for referrals, waiting for initial diagnostic surgery, waiting again for the excision, last minute cancellations, and poor results and outcomes. It's so infuriating I'm sorry. Hopefully you can find a good answer for you. xx