Laparoscopy in the diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain in women

Introduction: Laparoscopy because of its availability and safety provides a valuable tool in the evaluation of undiagnosed chronic pelvic pain. It is a simple and definitive means of establishing the presence or absence of pelvic pathology without resorting to major abdominal surgery. Objective: To evaluate the causes of chronic pelvic pain using laparoscopy and to correlate between clinical examination, ultrasonography, and laparoscopy. Settings and Design: The present prospective study was done in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of LD Hospital, GMC Srinagar. Materials and Methods: Sixty cases of chronic pelvic pain of more than 6 months duration attending gynecology OPD were included in the study. After detailed history, examination, investigations, and ultrasonography, the patients were subjected to laparoscopy Results: Ultrasonography could detect abnormality in 38.33% of patients as compared to Laparoscopy which had abnormal findings in 78.33%. Most common pelvic pathology was PID in 26.67% followed by adhesions in 23.33% cases which could not be detected clinically and on sonography. Conclusion: The study revealed laparoscopy is a more sensitive and superior method for evaluation of chronic pelvic pain as compared to ultrasonography. Laparoscopy can establish a definitive diagnosis, modify and provide treatment without resorting to exploratory laparotomy.