What research should be done in gynaecological endoscopy? A national questionnaire survey of members of the British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy

To determine current research activity and establish views on the direction of future research in gynaecological endoscopy.

A self-administered structured questionnaire was posted to 389 UK gynaecologists to enquire about current research activity and collect their views on future research within gynaecological endoscopy.

Members of the British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE).

The postal questionnaire was returned by 100 BSGE members (26% response rate) and of these respondents, 47 (47%) were actively involved in research. The majority of respondents (99/100, 99%), believed that the BSGE should play a proactive role in directing future research in gynaecological endoscopy. Therapeutic laparoscopy was the area of gynaecological endoscopy identified most frequently (80/100, 80%) for future study. Within this area, 22/80 (28%) specified the need for studies into laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis, especially comparative studies between ablative and excisional treatment (15/22, 68%).

There is a substantial commitment to research in gynaecological endoscopy by BSGE members who responded to the survey. The BSGE should play a proactive role in defining its research remit in health technology assessment. Future research requiring priority should focus on determining the effectiveness of laparoscopic methods of treatment for endometriosis.