H Paajanen1. 1. Department of General Surgery, Central Hospital of Mikkeli, 50100 Mikkeli, Finland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of diagnostic laparoscopy and open exploration of trigger points (scar revision and neurectomy) in the treatment of intractable chronic abdominal wall pain. METHODS: This prospective nonrandomized study enrolled 24 patients (21 women) with an average age of 59 +/- 11 years. Abdominal wall pain was diagnosed by excluding other causes of pain and using multiple injections of bupivacain. The patients' demographic data and long-term postoperative course (37 +/- 13 months) were carefully recorded. RESULTS: Using laparoscopy, intraabdominal adhesions close to trigger points were found and lysed in 15 patients (63%). Next, a subcutaneous nerve resection was performed. After 1 month, 33% of the patients were completely pain free, and 42% reported alleviation of pain. After 3 years, chronic abdominal pain was totally healed in 25%, diminished in 50%, and unchanged or increased in 25% of the patients. A total of 23 patients (96%) reported that surgery was beneficial for their intractable pain. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy used in open exploration is beneficial for 75% of carefully selected patients with chronic abdominal wall pain.
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of diagnostic laparoscopy and open exploration of trigger points (scar revision and neurectomy) in the treatment of intractable chronic abdominal wall pain. METHODS: This prospective nonrandomized study enrolled 24 patients (21 women) with an average age of 59 +/- 11 years. Abdominal wall pain was diagnosed by excluding other causes of pain and using multiple injections of bupivacain. The patients' demographic data and long-term postoperative course (37 +/- 13 months) were carefully recorded. RESULTS: Using laparoscopy, intraabdominal adhesions close to trigger points were found and lysed in 15 patients (63%). Next, a subcutaneous nerve resection was performed. After 1 month, 33% of the patients were completely pain free, and 42% reported alleviation of pain. After 3 years, chronic abdominal pain was totally healed in 25%, diminished in 50%, and unchanged or increased in 25% of the patients. A total of 23 patients (96%) reported that surgery was beneficial for their intractable pain. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy used in open exploration is beneficial for 75% of carefully selected patients with chronic abdominal wall pain.