Treatment Of Chronic Pelvic Pain Research Articles

Outcome of Laproscopic Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain with Endometriosis Cases Followed by Post Operative Progestogens

Outcome of Laproscopic Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain with Endometriosis Cases Followed by Post Operative Progestogens

Role of a natural integrator based on lipoic acid, palmitoiletanolamide and myrrh in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis.

Dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain occur in a significantly higher percentage in women with endometriosis; this benign condition has an incidence ranging from 5% to 10% in the general population, while 35% to 50% of infertile women are affected. Treatment of the symptoms demands integrated approaches with the use of anti-inflammatory substances or drugs and lifestyle changes, including attention to diet. The use of traditional anti-inflammatory drugs over the long term is not very successful because of the fear of side effects so they are almost always used with a short-term formula of 7-10 days when the woman's general condition becomes difficult to bear. In recent years, particular attention has been paid to natural substances with recognized anti-inflammatory activities that, associated with one another, are able to synergize individual actions. A nutraceutical containing substances capable of fighting chronic pelvic pain has recently been put on the market. The possible action mechanism derives from a synergy of action between alpha-lipoic acid, palmitoiletanolamide (PEA) and myrrh (Pelvinox, Laborest Italia srl, Nerviano, Milan, Italy), whose action is so effective that it is able to replace the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of these active ingredients in women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. This multicenter study saw the recruitment of 60 women (divided between the three centers participating in the study, Siena, Bologna and Udine) aged between 20 and 39 suffering from endometriosis (ovarian) and chronic pelvic pain. All the women took one nutraceutical (Pelvinox) at a dose of two tablets per day for 6 months. The results showed a significant reduction in pain symptoms as regards dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain, while there was no change in the mean diameter of the endometriosis cysts. In light of the above, it is believed that substances such as alpha-lipoic acid, PEA and myrrh may play a very important role in this type of patient in the treatment of individual symptoms.

Methodological approaches to botulinum toxin for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain, vaginismus, and vulvar pain disorders.

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) is increasingly used for pain, especially with muscle spasm. We describe our methodology for BoNT treatment of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women and place it in the context of the literature on techniques for this use. Databases were searched using terms "botulinum toxin," "pelvic pain," and "vaginismus." Reports on vaginismus/vulvodynia/vestibulodynia (included if pelvic floor muscles were injected) were grouped as "vaginismus/vulvar pain disorders" (V/VPD). We analyzed the type of report, condition, toxin serotype/brand, dose/dilution, muscle selection, guidance technique, and anesthesia. Publications from the same authors without unique information were combined for specific analyses. Thirty-eight reports had analyzable information; many lacked complete information. Most were open-label prospective reports; there were four technical reports, one randomized comparison of doses and one placebo-controlled study of efficacy. Pelvic floor muscles were approached transvaginally, transperineally or transgluteally. BoNT brand/dose/dilution varied widely. Muscle localization techniques included anatomical landmarks only, electromyography, electrical stimulation with/without ultrasound, and fluoroscopy/CT scanning. Papers discussing analgesia utilized general anesthesia, conscious sedation with/without topical/local anesthesia, topical/local agent alone or pudendal block before or after injection. Cumulatively, 58-100% of patients with CPP and 71-100% of those with V/VPD improved. Serious adverse events (transient fecal incontinence/constipation, urinary incontinence/retention) were more frequent with higher doses. BoNT can be safely and tolerably injected into pelvic floor muscles in women as an out-patient procedure. This study identifies methodological factors to be considered in future studies and the critical need for high-quality clinical trials for this emerging treatment.

Roentgenosurgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain caused by perimetrium venous congestion

Roentgenosurgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain caused by perimetrium venous congestion

Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation for Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Case Series and Technical Report on a Novel Lead Configuration

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is an elusive and complex neuropathic condition that is notoriously recalcitrant to treatment. The term "CPP" encompasses a number of treatment-resistant conditions like pudendal neuralgia, interstitial cystitis, coccygodynia, vulvodynia. CPP has been presented neuromodulators attempting to utilize conventional spinal cord stimulation (SCS), with constant frustration and high explant rates. Contrary to SCS, dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) delivers targeted target to focal areas, does not rely on paresthesias, and is able to reliably capture body parts like the pelvis making it an ideal modality for the treatment of CPP. We present seven patients with intractable CPP, resistant to conventional treatment methods, all successfully treated with DRGS. The case series includes seven patients with severe, CPP who failed to respond to a variety interventional treatments, and in some cases SCS. All seven patients were successfully trialed with DRGS utilizing leads placed over the bilateral L1 and S2 DRG's-to our knowledge, no publications describing either this particular lead configuration, or utilizing DRG stimulation on CPP, exist. Following treatment, all seven patients experienced significant pain relief as well as reduction in opioid consumption and some cases improvement with sexual function and urination. Four of these patients have been implanted and continue to self-report sustained pain relief with high-satisfaction and functional improvement. To date no explants or instances of loss of efficacy have occurred (>1 year since implant). Like most neuropathic pain states, CPP is resilient, difficult to manage, and typically unresponsive to the traditional therapeutics and SCS. Our case series demonstrates no only that DRGS is potentially effective, long-term treatment modality for CPP, but that the L1/S2 lead placement is the configuration of choice despite distinct differences in etiologies of pain and location.

The use of surgical neuromodulation to treat chronic pelvic pain

To evaluate the effectiveness of different types of neurostimulation in patients with chronic pelvic pain. Thirty-two patients were treated at the N.N. Burdenko National Scientific and Practical Center for Neurosurgery. All the patients were diagnosed with CPP and transferred to the Center because of unsatisfactory results of earlier treatment. The mean duration of pain was 8.6 years (range: 1-31 years). Pain intensity and the neuropathic component of the pain syndrome were assessed using the conventional scales and questionnaires (VAS, LANSS, Pain Detect, and DN4). The levels of anxiety, depression, and catastrophic pain were also assessed. The effect of pain on quality of life was evaluated using the modified Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). All the selected patients underwent trial lead implantation at the first stage. Sacral root stimulation was used in 15 patients (unilateral one in 8 patients and bilateral one in 7 patients); three patients underwent spinal cord stimulation; 14 patients were treated with combined neurostimulation. In 27 (84.37%) patients, the trial period was regarded as positive and the systems were implanted for chronic neurostimulation. After one year of stimulation, the mean VAS score for pain intensity was 3.53 (compared to 8.61 before the surgery). Regarding quality of life, the most significant effects of treatment were as follows: the number of pain paroxysms was reduced; physical self-maintenance, social life, sleep, and sexual activity were improved; and daily physical activity was increased. . Neurostimulation ensures a stable pain relief and improves quality of life in patients with chronic pelvic pain refractory to conservative treatment.

Chronic pelvic pain in women: an embedded qualitative study to evaluate the perceived benefits of the meridian balance method electro-acupuncture treatment, health consultation and National Health Service standard care.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) - defined as intermittent or constant pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis of at least 6 months' duration, not occurring exclusively with menstruation or intercourse and not associated with pregnancy - is estimated to affect 6-27% of women worldwide. In the United Kingdom, over 1 million women suffer from CPP, which has been highlighted as a key area of unmet need. Current medical treatments for CPP are often associated with unacceptable side effects. A specific style of acupuncture, the meridian balance method electro-acupuncture (BMEA) and traditional Chinese medicine health consultation (TCM HC (BMEA + TCM HC = BMEA treatment)), may be effective for CPP in women. Three focus group discussions and semi-structured telephone interviews were embedded in a randomised controlled feasibility trial to gain in-depth description of the perceived benefits of the participants' respective interventions. Women with CPP were randomised into the BMEA treatment, TCM HC or National Health Service standard care (NHS SC). Focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted post focus group discussions. A total of 30 women were randomised into BMEA treatment, TCM HC or NHS SC. A total of 11 participants attended the three focus group discussions. Thematic analysis of focus group discussions showed: a perceived pain reduction, enhanced sleep, energy level and sense of well-being in the BMEA treatment and TCM HC groups; a dislike for the adverse effects of medications, frustration at the lack of effective treatment, heavy reliance on medications and services that are helpful, in the NHS SC group. Semi-structured telephone interviews showed that the methodology was acceptable to the participants. The embedded focus group discussions captured the rich and complex narratives of the participants and provided insights into the perceived benefits of the BMEA treatment, TCM HC and NHS SC interventions.

The effectiveness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Evidence-based medicine is an approach to medical practice in which the decision on the appointment of therapeutic, diagnostic or preventive measures is based on the evidence of their effectiveness and safety.The aim of the study. Assessment of the effectiveness and safety of the use of NSAIDs in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain in women of reproductive age.Materials and methods. Under supervision, there were 101 women of reproductive age with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) on the background of chronic inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs. Patients, depending on the received treatment, were randomly divided into two groups: Group I (n = 54) – complex antibiotic therapy was conducted in combination with antiplatelet agents, antihypoxants, analgesics; Group II (n = 47) – complex antibiotic (AB) therapy was performed in combination with antiplatelet agents, antihypoxants and NSAIDs (DICLOSAFE, diclofenac sodium 100 mg). The exclusion criterion was the presence of an endometriosis in a patient.When patients were included in the study and 6 months after the completion of the treatment, a questionnaire was conducted to determine the severity of the pain syndrome, psychological status and quality of life.Results. Positive dynamics of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the pain syndrome, as well as dynamics of its intensity as a result of conservative treatment for 6 months in Group ІІ, was noted. Also, in Group ІІ, statistically significant data on the reduction of depression and personal anxiety are noted, in contrast to the indicators of Group I.The results of the questionnaire of patients in group II after treatment indicated improvement of all components of physical health. Statistically significant differences with the indicators of Group I were obtained on the scale of the effect of pain on daily activity. In addition, after treatment in the Group II, the patients showed statistically significant changes in mental health and all its components.Conclusion. Pathogenetically grounded use of NSAIDs (DICLOSAFE suppositories) in the complex treatment of patients with CPPS allows to achieve a significant improvement in quality of life indicators due to the correction of pain syndrome.

Chronic Pelvic Pain: The Neuropathic Pain Basis

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in both genders has been chiefly the province of surgical subspecialists. Morphologic end-organ processes have been studied for decades without significant advances in understanding the etiology of CPP or developing adequate therapeutic outcomes. The neurogenic basis of CPP has received little attention. Several peripheral nerves may be the source. The largest of these is a pudendal nerve and is the most important because it is a mixed nerve and affects sensory and motor symptoms in both the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. Nerve compression and stretch are the two most important etiologic factors. Practitioners can diagnose these painful neuropathies by a careful symptom history and physical examination. The most important diagnostic tool is sensory examination of the pudendal territory using pinprick. Various neurophysiologic tests can confirm pudendal neuropathy. The smaller peripheral nerves affect CPP. Because pudendal neuropathy is a tunnel syndrome related to cumulative, repetitive microtrauma, it can be treated accordingly. Treatment options include nerve protection, medications (analeptics, tricyclic amines), perineural infiltrations of local anesthetics with or without corticosteroids, and, in a significant minority, decompression of the pudendal nerves. The smaller nerves often respond to a program of postural correction and perineural anesthetic blockades. All patients require attention to central sensitization. Treatment success depends on the duration of symptoms, etiology, and severity of nerve damage. The last item can only be evaluated at surgery. Complete cures of CPP, treated using each modality, can be measured by validated symptom scores for as long as 13 years. To progress in the diagnosis and treatment of CPP, interspecialty studies are needed that distinctly separate neurogenic from nonneurogenic CPP. To date, this has not been done. Thus, diagnostic, etiologic, and treatment conclusions are quite limited. CPP provides a rich foundation for clinical research for neurologists. Key Words: abdominal cutaneous neuropathy, chronic pelvic pain, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, middle cluneal neuropathy, neurogenic pelvic pain, pudendal neuropathy, sexual dysfunction, thoracolumbar junction syndrome

Ефективність нестероїдних протизапальних препаратів під час лікування синдрому хронічного тазового болю

Evidence-based medicine is an approach to medical practice in which the decision on the appointment of therapeutic, diagnostic or preventive measures is based on the evidence of their effectiveness and safety. The objective: assessment of the effectiveness and safety of the use of NSAIDs in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain in women of reproductive age. Materials and methods. Under our supervision, there were 101 women of reproductive age with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) on the background of chronic inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs. Patients, depending on the received treatment, were randomly divided into two groups: Group I (n=54) – complex antibiotic (AB) therapy was conducted in combination with antiplatelet agents, antihypoxants, analgesics; Group II (n=47) – complex antibiotic (AB) therapy was performed in combination with antiplatelet agents, antihypoxants and NSAIDs (DICLOSAFE, diclofenac sodium 100 mg). The exclusion criterion was the presence of an endometriosis in a patient. When patients were included in the study and 6 months after the completion of the treatment, a questionnaire was conducted to determine the severity of the pain syndrome, psychological status and quality of life. Results. Positive dynamics of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the pain syndrome, as well as dynamics of its intensity as a result of conservative treatment for 6 months in group ІІ, was noted. Also, in group ІІ, statistically significant data on the reduction of depression and personal anxiety are noted, in contrast to the indicators of group I. The results of the questionnaire of patients in group II after treatment indicated improvement of all components of physical health. Statistically significant differences with the indicators of Group I were obtained on the scale of the effect of pain on daily activity (BP). In addition, after treatment in the II group, the patients showed statistically significant changes in mental health and all its components: vital activity (VT), social activity (SF), limitation of daily activity due to emotional problems (RE) and mental health I (MH). Conclusion. Pathogenetically grounded use of NSAIDs (DICLOSAFE suppositories) in the complex treatment of patients with CPPS allows to achieve a significant improvement in quality of life indicators due to the correction of pain syndrome. Key words: chronic pelvic pain syndrome, treatment, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

A 10-yr Analysis of Chronic Pelvic Pain and Chronic Opioid Therapy in the Women Veteran Population.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects an estimated 30% of women Veterans. Previous research shows high rates of narcotic abuse in the women Veteran population. Narcotics are not recommended for the treatment of CPP. Understanding how CPP impacts narcotic prescribing in the women Veteran population is critical to addressing the public health crisis of opioid abuse. Our objective was to compare chronic opioid therapy (COT) prescribed 5 yr prior to and following CPP diagnosis and to identify predictors of COT as well as adverse events associated with COT. We choose to look at 10 yr of data because we thought this time period would provide unique insight into the longitudinal associations of CPP and COT and was available in the database. Women with non-cancer CPP were included for analyses from the Veteran's Affairs Corporate Database Warehouse. COT was defined as 90 d of opiates/calendar year for each of the 5 yr proceeding and following the diagnosis of CPP. Patient characteristics and potential variables influencing COT were collected. We compared baseline demographics between the women who received COT to the women who did not receive COT to find additional demographic predictors of COT in association with CPP. Multivariable analysis identified predictors of COT in this population of women with CPP. We utilized an interrupted time series analysis to understand the impact of the diagnosis of CPP on COT. A total of 49,601 women met inclusion criteria with an average age of 40.1 ± 11.5 yr; 37.3% self-characterized as being a racial minority and 24% had a history of military sexual trauma. Chronic use increased significantly (p < 0.001) in the 5 yr preceding the diagnosis of CPP from 6.3% (n = 3124) of women at time -5 to 13.6% (n = 6746) at time 0. In the first year following the diagnosis of CPP, 16.8% (n = 8,333) of women with CPP met the criteria for COT (p < 0.001) and 15% (n = 7440) of women with CPP remained in the COT group for the remaining 5 yr following the diagnosis. On average women in the COT group had 250-292 d of opioids/year. When comparing women who received chronic narcotics following the diagnosis of CPP versus those who did not receive chronic narcotics, women who received COT were older, more likely to smoke and more frequently diagnosed with other pain conditions such as back pain, headaches, and fibromyalgia. (All p < 0.001). In the multivariable model, predictors of COT following CPP diagnosis included prior COT (OR = 10.0 (95% CI 9.4, 10.6), a positive history of military sexual trauma, smoking, and other chronic pain conditions. The distinct pattern of prescribing shown in this cohort may mean COT is prescribed for CPP and this prescribing pattern contributes to the adverse events associated with COT. As COT is not recommended for CPP, physicians need more education on the therapies available to help CPP patients.

The impact of meridian balance method electro-acupuncture treatment on chronic pelvic pain in women: a three-armed randomised controlled feasibility study using a mixed-methods approach.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is estimated to affect 6%-27% of women worldwide. In the United Kingdom, over 1 million women suffer from CPP and it has been highlighted as a key area of unmet need. Standard treatments are associated with unacceptable side effects. The meridian balance method electro-acupuncture (BMEA), and traditional Chinese medicine health consultation (TCM HC) (BMEA + TCM HC = BMEA treatment) may be an effective adjunct to standard treatment. The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility of a future trial, to determine the effectiveness of the BMEA treatment for CPP in women. The primary objectives were to determine recruitment and retention rates. The secondary objectives were to assess the effectiveness of the BMEA treatment and acceptability of the study's methodology. Women with CPP were randomised into BMEA treatment (group 1), TCM HC alone (group 2) (each intervention administered twice weekly for 4 weeks) or National Health Service standard care (NHS SC, group 3). Primary outcomes were assessed by the proportion of eligible participants randomised, and the proportion of randomised participants who returned follow-up questionnaires. Interventions were assessed by validated pain/physical/emotional functioning questionnaires at baseline (0), 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Focus groups and semi-structured telephone interviews were embedded in the study. A total of 30 women (51% of those referred) were randomised over 8 months. Retention rates were 80% (95% confidence interval (CI): 74-96), 53% (95% CI: 36-70) and 87% (95% CI: 63-90), in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Qualitative data suggested a favourable trial experience in groups 1 and 3. Group 2 retention rate was problematic and has implications for our next trial. Our study suggests that a future trial to determine the effectiveness of BMEA treatment for women with CPP is feasible but with modifications to the study design.

Botulinum Toxin Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women with Endometriosis (P2.098)

Botulinum Toxin Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women with Endometriosis (P2.098)

Surgical Excision Versus Ablation for Superficial Endometriosis-Associated Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Study ObjectiveTo compare surgical excision and ablation of endometriosis for treatment of chronic pelvic pain. DesignRandomized clinical trial with 12-month follow-up (Canadian Task Force classification I). SettingSingle academic tertiary care hospital. PatientsWomen with minimal to mild endometriosis undergoing laparoscopy. InterventionsExcision or ablation of superficial endometriosis at the time of robot-assisted laparoscopy. Measurements and Main ResultsPrimary outcome was visual analog scale (VAS) scoring at baseline and 6 and 12 months for menstrual pain, nonmenstrual pain, dyspareunia, and dyschezia. Secondary outcomes included survey results at baseline and 6 and 12 months from the Short Form Health Survey, Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire, and the International Pelvic Pain Assessment. From December 2013 to October 2014, 73 patients were randomized intraoperatively to excision (n = 37) or ablation (n = 36) of endometriosis. Patients were followed at 6 and 12 months to evaluate the above outcomes. After ablation of endometriosis, dyspareunia (VAS scores) improved at 6 months (mean change [MC], −14.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], −25.93 to −2.21; p = .02), but improvement was not maintained at 12 months. Dysmenorrhea improved at 6 months (MC, −26.99; 95% CI, −41.48 to −12.50; p < .001) and 12 months (MC, −24.15; 95% CI, 39.62 to −8.68; p = .003) with ablation. No significant changes were seen in VAS scores after excision at 6 or 12 months. When comparing ablation and excision, the only significant difference was a change in dyspareunia at 6 months (MC, −22.96; 95% CI, −39.06 to −6.86; p = .01). ConclusionTreatment with ablation improved dysmenorrhea at 6 and 12 months and improved dyspareunia at 6 months as compared with preoperative data. However, only dyspareunia demonstrated a significant difference between ablation and excision. Excision and ablation showed similar effectiveness for the treatment of pain associated with superficial endometriosis, with ablation showing more significant individual changes. Careful patient counseling regarding expectations of surgical intervention is vital in the management of endometriosis.

Pain, psychological distress and motor pattern in women with provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) - symptom characteristics and therapy suggestions.

Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) represent a longstanding pain syndrome that affects large numbers of women worldwide. However, no standardized guidelines for PVD treatment exist. In a cross-sectional pilot study we examined 30 PVD patients on multidimensional parameters including pain, psychological distress and quality of movement, in order to obtain a broader understanding of the somatic and psychological symptoms in PVD, and for the future to develop better interventions. Additionally, we compare the findings to previously published results regarding the same parameters in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Thirty women with PVD recruited from a tertiary care university clinic of gynecology were assessed for demographic data, pain intensity (VAS), psychological distress (GHQ-30 and Tampa scale of Kinesophobia) and quality of movement (standardized Mensendieck test, SMT). Average age of the PVD women was 24.7±3.60 years, 60% of them were in permanent relationships, all were nulliparous, none had been subjected to surgical procedures, 100% were working full or part time and 90% were educated to at least undergraduate level. Mean VAS score was 7.77±1.97 (mean±SD), kinesiophobia 24.4±3.95 and anxiety domain of GHQ-30 9.73±4.06. SMT scores were particularly low for the domains of respiration and gait (less than 50% of optimal scores). PVD women display reduced quality of movement, especially for gait and respiration patterns, increased level of anxiety and high average pain scores. These findings are similar to what we have previously reported in CPP patients. However, in contrast to CPP group, PVD women are on average younger, have higher work participation, higher education level and have not been subjected to surgical procedures. Since PVD women display similar, although somewhat less severe, symptom profile than CPP, we suggest that a multidimensional approach to treatment, such as "somatocognitive therapy" should be investigated in this group as it has previously been shown to be promising in treatment of CPP.

Opioids and Alternatives in Female Chronic Pelvic Pain.

Chronic pelvic pain is a complex condition with peripheral and central mechanisms of pain. Successful nonsurgical management typically relies on a multimodal approach, with integration of both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. This article reviews nonpharmacologic therapies including pelvic floor physical therapy, dietary modifications, psychotherapy, and acupuncture. These interventions are low risk and should be incorporated into treatment for chronic pelvic pain, as they show promise for successful symptom relief in many overlapping chronic pain conditions. Common nonopioid medications for pelvic are also reviewed, including analgesics, hormone modulating agents, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. Guidelines for cautious and responsible opioid use are also summarized. While data specific to chronic pelvic pain management remain limited, evidence supporting treatment of other chronic pain conditions is reviewed to help guide management.

A prospective, double blind randomised controlled trial on efficacy of laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation as an alternative of pharmacotherapy in treatment of chronic pelvic pain

Background: Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) is one of the commonest symptomatology in gynaecologist’s outpatient clinics. CPP has a profound impact on a woman's health and quality of life, including an economic impact through loss of working hours. Treatment for chronic pelvic pain is often unsatisfactory. Present study compares Laparoscopic Uterosacral Nerve Ablation (LUNA) with laparoscopy without pelvic denervation in patients presenting with chronic pelvic pain to our outpatient clinic.Methods: It was a Randomised Controlled Trial Study. After considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, 120 patients were selected, out of which 60 (Group I) had undergone diagnostic laparoscopy and 60 (Group II) had undergone diagnostic laparoscopy with LUNA.Results: The overall success rate for group I and group II were 80%, 78.3% and 66.6% versus 85%, 81.6%, and 83.3% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. However, on subgroup analysis it was found that in patients suffering from Congestive Dysmenorrhoea, there was a significant difference in success rate of both the groups.Conclusions: It was found in present study that there was a benefit for patients with dysmenorrheal, further research in this area is desirable to reach towards a discrete conclusion regarding the benefits of LUNA in patients of CPP.

Smartphone App Using Mindfulness Meditation for Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain (MEMPHIS): Protocol for a Randomized Feasibility Trial

BackgroundFemale chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is defined as intermittent or constant pelvic or lower abdominal pain occurring in a woman for at least 6 months. Up to a quarter of women are estimated to be affected by CPP worldwide and it is responsible for one fifth of specialist gynecological referrals in the United Kingdom. Psychological interventions are commonly utilized. As waiting times and funding capacity impede access to face-to-face consultations, supported self-management (SSM) has emerged as a viable alternative. Mindfulness meditation is a potentially valuable SSM tool, and in the era of mobile technology, this can be delivered to the individual user via a smartphone app.ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of conducting a trial of a mindfulness meditation intervention delivered by a mobile phone app for patients with CPP. The main feasibility objectives were to assess patient recruitment and app adherence, to obtain information to be used in the sample size estimate of a future trial, and to receive feedback on usability of the app.MethodsMindfulness Meditation for Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain (MEMPHIS) is a three-arm feasibility trial, that took place in two hospitals in the United Kingdom. Eligible participants were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three treatment arms: (1) the intervention arm, consisting of a guided, spoken mindfulness meditation app; (2) an active control arm, consisting of a progressive muscle relaxation app; and (3) usual care (no app). Participants were followed-up for 6 months. Key feasibility outcomes included the time taken to recruit all patients for the study, adherence, and estimates to be used in the sample size calculation for a subsequent full-scale trial. Upon completion of the feasibility trial we will conduct focus groups to explore app usability and reasons for noncompliance.ResultsRecruitment for MEMPHIS took place between May 2016 and September 2016. The study was closed March 2017 and the report was submitted to the NIHR on October 26, 2017.ConclusionsThis feasibility trial will inform the design of a large multicentered trial to assess the clinical effectiveness of mindfulness meditation delivered via a smartphone app for the treatment of CPP.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02721108; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02721108 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6wLMAkuaU); BioMed Central: ISRCTN10925965; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN10925965 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6wLMVLuys)

Adhesiolysis in Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain and a Temporal Resolution of Pain

Study Objectives: To evaluate the duration of pain improvement after laparoscopic and/or robotic assisted adhesiolysis in women with prior abdominal or pelvic surgeries that have been diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain with suspected pelvic and/or abdominal adhesions. Design: Retrospective Cohort (Canadian Task Force Level II) Setting: Hospital based practice of gynecological surgery and pelvic pain, St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix AZ Patients: Women with prior surgery who underwent laparoscopic or robotic assisted adhesiolysis for chronic pelvic pain secondary to pelvic and/or abdominal adhesions between April 2012-Febuary 2016. Intervention; Adhesiolysis performed via laparoscopic or robotic assisted, defined as 30 minutes or greater of operating time needed to restore normal anatomy. Measurements and Main Results: Eighty-eight women were identified with Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 4410 and 58550 for adhesiolysis. Women &gt; 18 years old who had prior surgery, and symptoms of pelvic pain were included in the study. Women were excluded if they were found to have another source of pelvic pain, malignancy, surgical complications, co-surgery with another specialty, and conversion to laparotomy, and organ resection. The average age at the time of adhesiolysis was 39 years old (range of 19-57). The average number of abdominal surgeries was 1.42 (range 1-4). Fifty-six patients were excluded for concomitant procedures. Thirty-patients patients meet eligibility criteria, of those; seventeen patients had previously undergone at least one adhesiolysis procedure for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain. All 17 of these patients had improvement of their pain. Fourteen of the 17 patients had 2 adhesiolysis procedures with the median length of time between the first and second procedure (improvement in pain after procedure) being 24 months (range of 6-162 months). Three of 14 underwent a third adhesiolysis procedure with the median pain free interval of 24 months. Two of the 3 patients had a fourth adhesiolysis procedure with the average pain free interval being 24 months prior to the 4th procedure. Fifteen of the 32 patients, who underwent their first adhesiolysis treatment, 10 had resolution of pain and 5 patients had a significant improvement of pain. Of this cohort the earliest reported return of pain was 6 months, and the longest total pain free interval was 13 years and 6 months. Conclusion: In patients who present with pelvic pain and prior abdominal or pelvic surgery adhesiolysis may be associated with a temporal improvement of pain.

Acupuncture Treatment for Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Aim of the Study This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the current evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment (AT), including electroacupuncture or thread-embedding therapy in combination with modern technology, for chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women. Materials and Methods We searched 12 electronic databases up to December 2017. All randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of AT for CPP were considered. Results Four RCTs with 474 participants were included. The methodological quality of included studies was generally low. The results of meta-analysis of two studies showed that AT combined with conventional treatment (CT) was associated with significantly reduced CPP, based on the total effectiveness rate (n=277, mean difference = 1.29, confidence interval = 1.13 to 1.47, P=0.0001, I2 = 0%). Conclusions This review suggests the potential of AT combined with CT compared to CT alone for treating female CPP. However, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that AT can be recommended as a complementary and alternative (CAM) treatment for women with CPP. To draw a firm conclusion, future studies should require not only lager, more rigorously designed RCTs but also research on different AT types. Protocol Registration Number This study is registered with PROSPERO 2018 (CRD42018088627).