Laparoscopic Surgery in the Evaluation of Acute Pelvic Pain

Abstract

Acute pelvic pain (APP) is non-specific with a 5% to 10% prevalence of visits per annum to emergency. The multiple organ systems within the pelvis, result in diagnostic error, with an estimated 45% of pre-menopausal women misdiagnosed. Unfortunately, diagnostic accuracy cannot always be ascertained with physical examination or imaging; however, direct visualisation of the pelvic cavity via laparoscopic surgery provides a more conclusive diagnostic approach. This letter aims to explore the various aetiologies of APP in women and the current modalities utilised in the diagnostic pathway. The primary aim of this letter is to propose laparoscopic surgery as a possible diagnostic modality to evaluate APP in women.