Comparing inpatient management of chronic pelvic pain flares before and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Graphical abstract Abstract Patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) may experience pain exacerbations requiring hospital admissions. Due to the effects of backlogged elective surgeries and outpatient gynaecology appointments resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we hypothesised that there would be an increased number of women admitted with CPP flares. We conducted a retrospective review of all acute gynaecology admissions at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh from July to December 2018 (pre-COVID) and 2021 (post-COVID lockdown). We collected information on the proportion of emergency admissions due to CPP, inpatient investigations and subsequent management. Average total indicative hospital inpatient costs for women with CPP were calculated using NHS National Cost Collection data guidance. There was no significant difference in the number of emergency admissions due to pelvic pain before (153/507) and after (160/461) the COVID-19 pandemic. As high as 33 and 31% had a background history of CPP, respectively. Across both timepoints, investigations in women with CPP had low diagnostic yield: <25% had abnormal imaging findings and 0% had positive vaginal swab cultures. Women with CPP received significantly more inpatient morphine, pain team reviews and were more likely to be discharged with strong opioids. Total yearly inpatient costs were £170,104 and £179,156 in 2018 and 2021, respectively. Overall, emergency admission rates for managing CPP flares was similar before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Inpatient resource use for women with CPP remains high, investigations have low diagnostic yield and frequent instigation of opiates on discharge may risk dependence. Improved community care of CPP is needed to reduce emergency gynaecology resource utilisation. Lay summary Existing treatments for chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and endometriosis focus on surgery or hormone medication, but these are often ineffective or associated with unacceptable side-effects. As a result, women continue to experience chronic pain and often have ‘flares’ of worsening pain that may lead to hospital admission. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in backlogged gynaecology clinics and surgeries. The aim of this study was to compare the management of emergency pelvic pain admissions for women with CPP before and after COVID-19. We also aimed to better understand their in-hospital management and estimate their hospital length of stay costs. We did not find an increase in CPP patients admitted for pelvic pain flares after the COVID-19 lockdown. Women with CPP often undergo multiple hospital tests and are often prescribed with strong pain medications which can cause long-term problems. Efforts are needed to improve long-term pain management for women with CPP.