Pain referral patterns in the pelvis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if right-left pelvic pain orientation exists in all patients, and to estimate the frequency of pain referral patterns in the pelvis.


METHODS
Prospective, nonrandomized trial (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).


METHODS
University-affiliated hospital.


METHODS
One hundred consecutive women with no pain undergoing tubal sterilization or investigation of infertility (group A) were compared with 225 women with chronic pelvic pain of greater than 6 months' duration (group B).


METHODS
Patient-assisted laparoscopy with intravenous conscious sedation and pelvic pain mapping.


RESULTS
Of women in group A, 69% had correct right-left orientation, 18% had pain perceived on the opposite side of the abdomen, and 31% had pain referred to another location in the abdomen. The results were similar in women in group B, 65% of whom had correct orientation, 15% had pain perceived on the opposite side of the abdomen, and 35% had pain referred to another location.


CONCLUSIONS
This demonstrates the need to ask on which side a woman feels pain during physical examination. It is not correct to assume that an answer of "yes" means the same side of the pelvis that is being examined. Patient-assisted laparoscopy and pelvic pain mapping are excellent in correlating the symptom with the pathology.
Demco
L A
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Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary and Rockyview General Hospital, 271-A 1600, 90 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2V 5B8.
D016292:Procedural Sedation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010388:Pelvis; D011446:Prospective Studies