RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Predicting the Pain Outcome of Surgery for Endometriosis

This study aims to figure out if surgery will help reduce pain for women with more serious forms of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere in the body, causing chronic pain. While surgery is a common treatment, it doesn't always relieve pain. Researchers will use special brain scans to understand who is most likely to benefit from surgery. This information could help doctors and patients decide if surgery is the best path for managing their pain, especially since more extensive surgery can carry bigger risks for people with severe endometriosis.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2028

Endometriosis

What is this study about?

Endometriosis is a common condition affecting many women, where tissue like the womb lining grows outside the womb. This can lead to ongoing pain, problems getting pregnant, and a reduced quality of life. The symptoms can include painful periods, constant pelvic pain, discomfort during sex, and even pain when going to the toilet.

Treatments for endometriosis include medicines and surgery, often performed using keyhole techniques. However, surgery doesn't always guarantee a reduction in pain. This study is trying to understand why some people get pain relief from surgery for severe endometriosis (stages III and IV), while others don't. It's important to know this because surgery for severe endometriosis can be more complex and has higher risks, such as potential damage to the bladder or bowel, and could affect future fertility.

Instead of a large, full-scale trial, the researchers will use brain imaging. This special type of scan helps them look at how the brain processes pain, giving them useful information from a smaller group of people. The goal is to accurately predict who will benefit most from surgery, helping patients and their doctors make more informed decisions about treatment.

Key takeaways

The study focuses on severe endometriosis (stages III and IV).
It aims to predict who benefits from surgery for pain relief.
Brain imaging will be used to understand pain processing.
Only women planning surgery for severe endometriosis can participate.
The findings could help doctors and patients make better treatment decisions.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be a woman between 18 and 50 years old. You must have been diagnosed with more severe endometriosis (Stage III or IV) either through a scan like an MRI or ultrasound, or from a previous operation. In addition, you should currently be experiencing pelvic pain at a level of 4 out of 10 or higher. You must also be planning to have surgery for severe endometriosis.

You should be comfortable speaking and understanding English and be willing to give your permission for your GP and specialist doctor to be informed about your involvement in the study. You also need to be able to understand and agree to all the study procedures.

However, you cannot take part if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant during the study period. You also can't participate if you have any medical reasons that prevent you from having an MRI scan.

Quick self-check

Am I a woman between 18 and 50 years old?
Have I been diagnosed with severe endometriosis (Stage III or IV)?
Am I experiencing pelvic pain of 4 out of 10 or more?
Am I planning to have surgery for severe endometriosis?
Am I not pregnant or breastfeeding, and not planning a pregnancy soon?
Can I have an MRI scan safely?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

The detailed information about what taking part involves is not provided in this summary. However, given the study involves brain imaging, you would likely have at least one visit for a brain scan, and potentially follow-up assessments to see how your pain changes after surgery. The total duration of your involvement isn't specified but would depend on when the brain imaging happens in relation to your planned surgery and any follow-up appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part are not directly stated but could include contributing to a better understanding of endometriosis pain, which may help improve future treatments. The main risk mentioned is the MRI scan, which some people may have a medical reason to avoid. For surgery for severe endometriosis, there are known risks such as potential damage to the bladder or bowel, and effects on future fertility, which is why the study is trying to predict who will benefit. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Oxford University Hospitals Foundation Trust
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is endometriosis?

It's a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the womb, often causing pain.

Why is this study important?

It helps us understand if surgery will relieve pain for people with severe endometriosis, as it doesn't always work for everyone.

What is a 'brain scan' used for in this study?

The researchers use special brain scans to look at how pain is processed in the brain, hoping to predict who will benefit most from surgery.

Do I need to be having surgery to join this study?

Yes, you must be planning to have surgery for severe endometriosis to be eligible.

Could this study help me with my pain?

While the study aims to improve understanding for future patients, it cannot guarantee pain relief for you directly. Its main goal is to gather information.

How to find out more

Katy Vincent, DPhil, FRCOG

katy.vincent@wrh.ox.ac.uk 00 44 1865 220024 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.