The prevalence of interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, adhesions, and vulvar pain in women with chronic pelvic pain

Abstract

To estimate the prevalence of bladder-origin pain, intraperitoneal pathology, and vulvar pain in patients undergoing laparoscopy for chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Prospective, observational one-site (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Referral gynecology specialty private practice. Sixty-four patients undergoing laparoscopy for CPP were prospectively assessed to establish the source of their CPP over a 12-month period. All patients received an intravesical potassium sensitivity test (PST), cystoscopy with double-fill hydrodistension, a physical examination for vulvar pain, and laparoscopy to assess the presence of peritoneal pathology. The validated pelvic pain/urgency/frequency (PUF) screening questionnaire was given to all patients to assess symptoms. Forty-four patients (69%) were found to have a positive PST indicating pain of bladder origin due to bladder epithelial dysfunction. Cystoscopic findings diagnosed only seven cases of classic interstitial cystitis (11%). Laparoscopic findings revealed biopsy-proven endometriosis in 28% and adhesions in 64%. Vulvar pain was diagnosed on examination in 20%. Assessment of intraperitoneal pathology and bladder-origin pain accurately diagnosed 95% of patients. There was no statistical difference in the prevalence of endometriosis, adhesions, or vulvar pain when groups were stratified to PST-positive or -negative groups. Bladder pain, peritoneal pathology, and vulvar pain are independent risk factors of CPP although a trend of severity was noted in patients who had worse symptoms (increased voids per day, urgency, pain, and PUF scores). Patients with increased symptoms had a higher likelihood of having pain from bladder epithelial damage and intraperitoneal pathology. The etiology of CPP may arise from multiple sites in the pelvis including the bladder, pelvic peritoneum, and vulva. This study demonstrated that in a group of women undergoing a comprehensive work-up for CPP, the bladder was the predominant pain generator. A work-up for CPP should include an assessment of bladder epithelial function and an assessment for intraperitoneal pathology.