THE ROLE OF LAPAROSCOPY IN DISCOVERING THE CAUSES OF CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN

Abstract

Background. The aim of this study was to assess the share of organic changes in patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) as well as evaluate the need for invasive CPP diagnostics – laparoscopy. Methods. The data for the analysis were gathered retrospectively from the descriptions of 287 CPP patients who were treated at the Clinic of Gynaecology in Ljubljana from 1993 to 1999. In this analysis the share of laparoscopically established organic causes of CPP was assessed and the findings of invasive (laparoscopy) and non-invasive diagnostics (clinical status and ultrasound) were compared. Results. Out of 287 patients, 272 underwent laparoscopy, 7 underwent laparotomy while 8 were only observed. As regards organic CPP causes, an organic cause was established in 70.7% patients through laparoscopy. The most frequently observed phenomena were adhesions, namely in 97 (35.7%) patients, endometriosis in 68 (25.0%) and pelvic varices in 29 (10%) patients. By comparing the results of invasive and non-invasive diagnostics it was established that up to three times more organic changes – a possible cause of CPP – can be discovered through laparoscopy than through the use of non-invasive diagnostics methods. Conclusions. Laparoscopy is considered to be the most reliable method of diagnostics and detection of organic causes of CPP. An adequate psychological treatment within a multidisciplinary approach is necessary in patients in whom an organic cause of CPP can not be discovered in their genital tract.