Prospective evaluation of laparoscopic appendectomy in women with chronic right lower quadrant pain.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility, safety, histology, and outcome after appendectomy in women undergoing operative laparoscopy for chronic right lower quadrant pelvic pain.


METHODS
Prospective evaluation since January 1992.


METHODS
University-affiliated teaching hospital.


METHODS
Three hundred eighty and 103 patients who underwent operative laparoscopy for chronic pelvic pain and right lower quadrant pain, respectively, over a period of 2 years.


METHODS
At laparoscopy, appendiceal pathology (endometriosis, adhesions, fibrosis) was noted, and appendectomy was performed in 38 and 62 of the two groups, respectively.


RESULTS
The appendectomy rate was 60% (62/103) and 10% (38/380) in the patients with right lower quadrant pain and chronic pelvic pain, respectively. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. After appendectomy 97% (60/62) of patients reported complete relief of right lower quadrant pain.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic appendectomy is a feasible and safe procedure when performed by experienced surgeons. Appendiceal pathology is prevalent in women with chronic right lower quadrant pain and may be responsible for the pain.
AlSalilli
M
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Joseph's Health Centre, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 4V2.
Vilos
G A
GA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001062:Appendectomy; D001065:Appendix / Q000473:pathology; D002429:Cecal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome