Repeated laparoscopies for pelvic pain: doing the same thing over and expecting a different outcome?

To quantify the current practice of repeated laparoscopic procedures, informing the requirement for multidisciplinary meeting capacity.

A retrospective audit was undertaken of the elective gynaecological laparoscopies performed for pelvic pain within the Canterbury District Health Board in the 2019 calendar year. De-identified data were also obtained from private insurance providers for the same time-period.

Of the women receiving a publicly funded laparoscopy, 34% had previously undergone at least one similar procedure (range 1-7). Although the data from the private sector have limitations, these also demonstrate a high number of repeated procedures - particularly for those residing in the Canterbury region.

Despite being recognised as low-value, high-cost care, repeated laparoscopies are common management for women with pelvic pain, suggesting that further investment into multidisciplinary services is required.