Laparoscopic adhesiolysis in patients with chronic abdominal pain

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that laparoscopic adhesiolysis leads to a substantial pain relief and an improvement in the quality of life in patients with adhesions and chronic abdominal pain. Twenty-two consecutive patients with chronic abdominal pain underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and in case of adhesions, adhesiolysis was performed. In two patients, other causes were found in the abdominal cavity and were treated. Pain relief was assessed and the results were determined. Three months after adhesiolysis, 86.3% of the patients were pain-free or had less pain. The remaining 13.6% of the patients experienced no change or had more pain. Female gender and older age are associated with less pain relief. In conclusion, laparoscopic adhesiolysis can be done completely in 91.6% of patients with adhesions