STUDY TO EVALUATE THE ROLE OF LAPAROSCOPY IN CHRONIC ABDOMINAL PAIN

Abstract

INTRODUCTION : Chronic abdominal pain can be diagnostic challenge. Chronic abdominal pain is a signicant clinical problem that often leads to repeated laparotomies. Laparoscopy has a signicant diagnostic and therapeutic role in patients with chronic abdominal pain. In case of diagnostic uncertainty, laparoscopy may help to avoid unnecessary laparotomy, provide accurate diagnosis and helps to plan surgical treatment. The main function of laparoscopic evaluation is to detect the presence or absence of intra abdominal organic lesion. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : To determine the diagnostic and therapeutic role of laparoscopy in chronic abdominal pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS : All patients undergoing laparoscopy for chronic abdominal pain were included in the study for a period of 1 year from Nov. 2018 to Oct. 2019 in SHANTIRAM Medical College and General Hospital. The patient's demographic data, length of time with pain, diagnostic studies, intraoperative ndings, interventions and follow-up were determined. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients with history of abdominal pain for 3months or more, if physical examination and diagnostic tests are unrevealing. Patients with previous history of abdominal operation are included. RESULTS : A total of 25 patients (19 women and 6 men) with an average age of 34.64yrs underwent diagnostic laparoscopy for the evaluation and treatment of chronic abdominal pain. The average length of time with pain was 32.96 weeks (range 12-96). 2 cases required conversion to an open procedure and no complications occurred. Findings included abdominal Koch's in 9, appendicitis in 8, cholecystitis in 1, cirrhosis in 1; ovarian cyst in 1, bilateral mbrial cyst in 1 and 4 patients had no obvious pathology. 82.6% of patients had pain relief at the time of follow up. CONCLUSION : Laparoscopy has a diagnostic and therapeutic role in patients with chronic pain abdomen