AQW 50971/22-27
Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry
Tabled Date: 04/09/2026
Answered On Date: 27/09/2026
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail the diagnostic pathway followed by a patient referred by their GP with suspected endometriosis, including the stages at which they may receive (i) a specialist gynaecology assessment; (ii) diagnostic imaging; and (iii) diagnostic laparoscopy.
Answer:
Patients presenting to their General Practice (GP) with symptoms suggestive of endometriosis will undergo an initial clinical assessment in primary care. Where endometriosis is suspected, treatment and referral are guided by clinical history, symptoms and relevant professional guidance, including National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on the diagnosis and management of endometriosis. (i) A specialist gynaecology assessment; A patient may be referred by their GP to a secondary care gynaecology service, where symptoms suggest endometriosis and require further investigation. Following referral, patients with suspected endometriosis, but no confirmed diagnosis, will be triaged to a general gynaecology clinic where they will be assessed by a gynaecologist who will review their symptoms, medical history, examination findings and any investigations already undertaken. (ii) Diagnostic imaging Some patients may undergo diagnostic imaging such as a pelvic ultrasound, arranged by their GP prior to referral. Where imaging findings confirm endometriosis, the patient would be triaged to the endometriosis service. Patients referred to a general gynaecology clinic will undergo a comprehensive assessment, including a clinical examination. Where imaging has not been undertaken previously, an ultrasound may be arranged and depending on the clinical presentation, additional investigations such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be requested. Patients with imaging-confirmed endometriosis would be managed within the endometriosis service. Patients with normal imaging findings who continue to experience symptoms suggestive of endometriosis may be offered medical treatment or may elect to undergo a diagnostic laparoscopy to aid diagnosis and guide subsequent management. (iii) Diagnostic laparoscopy. Following assessment, some patients may undergo diagnostic laparoscopy to confirm a diagnosis and assess the extent of the disease. This procedure is generally considered where symptoms persist despite treatment, imaging is inconclusive or surgical management is being contemplated. However, a laparoscopy is not required in all cases as diagnosis can often be made based on symptoms, clinical examination and imaging findings.
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