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Results of Laparoscopy for Chronic Pelvic Pain
The results of laparoscopy for chronic pelvic pain can vary from person to person. In some cases, an abnormality may be found and treated, while some people have a basically normal-looking pelvis, and no treatment is necessary. It is important that you discuss your expected results of laparoscopy with your doctor before the procedure to make sure you have the same expectations.
The specific results of laparoscopy for chronic pelvic pain will depend upon what happens during your laparoscopy and what is found. You can expect your doctor to have gained valuable information about your particular internal organs, including your pelvis, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, after the laparoscopy.
Your doctor may find that your pelvis is basically normal and did not require any treatment. If an abnormality is found, your doctor may treat this during the laparoscopy and go over the results with you afterwards.
Abnormalities related to chronic pelvic pain are found in an average of 70 to 80 out of 100 laparoscopies, and this is usually if the pain has been in the same location for at least six months. Treatment may be performed for conditions that your doctor wasn't aware of before the procedure. This situation could mean a longer surgery or a different procedure. Your doctor may need to perform other laparoscopic surgical procedures and/or major abdominal surgery to remove any affected tissue or organs.
If a problem requires additional treatment after the procedure, your doctor will discuss these findings with you, along with your treatment alternatives or choices. The two of you can decide on a treatment plan that will benefit you most at this stage in your life. It is possible that, despite the laparoscopy and any treatments, your symptoms may continue or even worsen.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD