RESUMEN
Objective To evaluate the significance of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of unexplained acute right lower abdominal pain in women. Methods Clinical data of 52 women with unexplained acute right lower abdominal pain from April 1999 to April 2004 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Diagnosis was clarified under laparoscope in all the 52 patients, including 28 cases of acute appendicitis, 18 cases of acute pelvic inflammatory disease, 3 cases of ovarian cyst pediculotorsion, 2 cases of right tubal pregnancy, and 1 case of Crohn’s disease with iliac perforation. With exception of a conversion to open surgery in 3 patients, laparoscopic treatment was successfully completed in the remaining 49 patients. No surgical complications occurred. The patients were discharged from the hospital 2~6 days postoperatively. Conclusions Laparoscopy is a timely, safe and effective alternative for the diagnosis and treatment of unexplained acute lower right abdominal pain in women.