Laparoscopic Evaluation of Nonspecific Abdominal Pain in Females

Abstract

The aim was to determine the role of laparoscopy in the management of nonspecific abdominal pain (NSAP) in sexually active females. Fifty (50) patients with NSAP were included in the study which then underwent laparoscopy to make a definitive diagnosis. Peroperative laparoscopic findings were; Acute appendicitis in 17 patients (34%); Pelvic Inflammatory diseases (PID)/salpingitis in 9 patients (18%); Adhesions in pelvis and RIF in 5 patients (10%); Ovarian Cyst in10 patients (20%); Endometriosis in 2 patients (4%); Peritoneal Tuberculosis in 3 patients (6%); No diagnosis in 4 patients (8%). The age wise incidence of various Laparoscopic findings in patients with NSAP were: Acute appendicitis was common in 13 to 20 year age group ( 10/17 patients) followed by 21 to 28 year age group (5/17 patients); PID was common in 21 to 28 year age group (6/9 patients); Endometriosis was found common in 29 to 36 year age group (2/2 patients); while as ovarian cysts were observed with increased frequency in 21 to 28 year age group (8/10 patients). The study revealed appendicitis to be more common in females in their early reproductive years of life. PID, was more frequently noticed in sexually active females. Endometriosis was observed only in two patients and both of them where in the middle of their reproductive age while as symptomatic ovarian cysts was a more common finding in unmarried females in 21-28 years of age group. This study concluded that laparoscopy has a diagnostic as well as a therapeutic implication in management of NSAP.