LAPAROSCOPIC AND PSYCHOLOGIC EVALUATION OF WOMEN WITH CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN

Objective: Pelvic pain can account for up to 40 percent of laparoscopi es performed by gynecologists. This report compares the psychological profiles and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery at long-term follow-up i n a series of laparoscopy-positive and laparoscopy-negative patients w ith chronic pelvic pain. Method: A retrospective chart review was perf ormed on patients diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain combined with pos toperative written questionnaires and self-rating scales. These questi onnaires were used to assess longterm post laparoscopy follow-up of th e physical and psychological status of women with positive findings at laparoscopy compared to those women with negative findings. Results: There were no statistically significant demographic differences betwee n respondents and nonrespondents. In the respondents, no statistically significant differences were noted even with long-term follow-up when comparing responses of the laparoscopy-positive and laparoscopy-negat ive groups on the above questionnaires. Conclusion: Though reporting m odest improvement in pelvic pain since laparoscopy, both groups report ed a high incidence of anxiety, depression, physical worries, and mari tal/sexual problems.