The role of laparoscopy in the management of pelvic pain in women of reproductive age.

OBJECTIVE: To review the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of laparoscopy in women of reproductive age with acute and chronic pelvic pain. DATA IDENTIFICATION: Studies relating to the use of laparoscopy in women with acute and chronic pelvic pain were identified through the literature and MEDLINE searches. CONCLUSION(S): Laparoscopy has an important place in the management of conditions that cause acute pelvic pain in women of reproductive age, including ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, tubo-ovarian abscess, and adnexal torsion. The procedure frequently facilitates the diagnosis and provides the necessary access for surgical treatment. Prompt diagnosis and effective management prevent complications and help preserve fertility. The role of laparoscopy in women with chronic pelvic pain is more controversial and limited, but abnormal laparoscopic findings are detected in approximately 60% of those who have undergone a multidisciplinary investigation and received a tentative clinical diagnosis. The access provided by laparoscopy permits the effective surgical treatment of many of the conditions encountered, including endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, ovarian lesions, and symptomatic uterine retroversion.