• Ovaries and fallopian tubes
• The lining of the inside of the abdomen
• Bowel or bladder

Our experience in the Medical Negligence Department of Attwaters Jameson Hill is that on rare occasions we sadly see examples of negligently performed laparoscopies resulting in serious injury and other cases where other non-surgical options for treatment of the patient’s condition have not been discussed in advance of the patient consenting to the treatment. In the latter example the patient may not have sufficient information for them to base any informed consent to the surgical procedure. They were not informed of all the risks and alternative options before giving their agreement to the operation.

Endometriosis is a chronic and painful condition and can lead to many symptoms including painful periods, fertility difficulties, persistent tiredness and bleeding from the rectum or in between periods. The first port of call for any persons worried about these symptoms would be to contact their GP possibly followed by a referral to a gynaecologist. As part of medical investigations into endometriosis the patient may have to undergo a laparoscopy. This is an examination of the abdominal cavity by the use of a laparoscope through one or more small incisions in the abdominal wall. The procedure is used for inspection of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

As clinical negligence lawyers we would recommend that patients with chronic conditions such as Endometriosis explore all treatment options and the pros and cons of each with their relevant clinician and if necessary a second opinion before deciding on the best course of action.