Dr. Sunil Garg

Pelvic pain that lasts 6 or more months, and is not associated with the menstrual period, is called chronic pelvic pain (menstrual pain is discussed in chapter 3). Chronic pelvic pain is a fairly common problem. It is estimated that about 20% of the visits to gynecologists are for pelvic pain, and one out of every seven hysterectomies are performed for this reason. Chronic pelvic pain can lead to significant distress and even disability.

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that involves placement of a thin telescope through an incision in the navel in order to see inside the abdomen and pelvis. It is often utilized to help establish the cause of pelvic pain and, in many cases, can be used to treat the cause of the pain as well. The procedure is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center under general anesthesia. With the laparoscope, the doctor is able to see the uterus, tubes, ovaries, intestines, appendix, gall bladder, and liver. With a careful inspection, gynecologic problems such as endometriosis, pelvic infection, adhesions, ovarian cysts, and tubal pregnancy can be diagnosed. Inflammation or infection of the appendix, intestines or gall bladder may also be detected, so that appropriate treatment may be started. In addition, by using specialized instruments during the laparoscopy, many of these problems may be treated at the same time. Adhesions and endometriosis may be cut away, and ovarian cysts or a tubal pregnancy removed