An appraisal of the role of laparoscopy: past, present, and future.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To review the role of laparoscopy in the management of chronic pelvic pain (CPP).

METHOD:

A literature search was conducted to obtain a clear perspective on the role of laparoscopy for CPP.

RESULTS:

Laparoscopy has been widely used as a diagnostic tool in CPP, but often falls short in defining the type and activity of ectopic endometrial-like tissue. Because pelvic endometriosis includes a wide range of lesions, histological confirmation varies greatly. The evaluation of peritoneal endometriosis at laparoscopy can be misleading. In one study 43% of the patients with minimal or mild endometriosis were found at second-look laparoscopy to be free of lesions. Finally, laparoscopy is not without major complications and the risk of undiagnosed bowel injury is likely to be underestimated.

CONCLUSION:

The diagnosis of endometriosis can no longer be limited to the visual inspection of the pelvis but requires a wider range of investigations to assess the reproductive system and the role of endometriotic lesions and adhesions in CPP.

• Authors: I A Brosens, R Campo, S Gordts, J J Brosens
• Journal: International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (Int J Gynaecol Obstet) Vol. 74 Suppl 1 Pg. S9-14 (Sep 2001) ISSN: 0020-7292 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11549394 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Chronic Disease
• Female
• Humans
• Laparoscopy (trends)
• Pelvic Pain (pathology, surgery)
• Reproducibility of Results