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Query: UMLS:C0001511 (Adhesion)
 5,955 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Obscure, chronically recurring pains in the lower abdomen and back are common symptoms in the office of the gynecologist or practitioner. Often the cause has never been found. Many are functional or psychosomatic disturbances. There is no objective measurement of the quality or amount of pain. Common diagnoses have been chronic adnexitis, chronic appendicitis, retroflexion of the uterus, or adhesions. Too often surgical operations have been of little benefit. When consultations with other specialists have not helped, laparoscopy is indicated. Endometriosis is a common finding. Cauteriziation of this lesion at laparoscopy is better than hormone therapy. Adhesions may be severed with relief of symptoms. Varicose enlargement of ovarian veins is sometimes seen. Laparotomy may be indicated for conditions not readily treated by laparoscopy. However, indications for surgery should be carefully considered to avoid iatrogenic damage in an already apprehensive patient. Tranquilizers and small doses of cortisone may be adequate. In about 80% of patients complaining of chronic lower abdominal pain, organic disorders may be found by laparoscopy. The procedure should be recommended more frequently.
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PMID:Chronic pelvic disease of unknown origin. 427 10

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of exploratory laparoscopy in patients with chronic abdominal pain. Forty-six patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy for abdominal pain of unknown origin during 1992-1996. The average duration of the symptoms was 3.5 years. Patients with known malignancy were excluded. Seventy-two percent of the patients had undergone previous abdominal or groin surgery. An organic disease was found in 68% of the laparoscopies. Adhesions were found in 29 patients, inguinal hernia in 2 patients, and abnormal mesenteric lymph nodes in 1 patient. Adhesiolysis was carried out in 24 patients. Eighty-nine percent of patients could be contacted for follow-up. Mean follow-up time was 19 months. Seventy-seven percent of patients who had undergone adhesiolysis considered the result good or beneficial. Sixty percent of all patients reported a beneficial outcome after laparoscopy. No major complications were noted. This retrospective study suggests that laparoscopy is a safe and useful procedure in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic abdominal pain.
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PMID:Laparoscopy for chronic abdominal pain. 995 Jan 27