Appendectomy in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for pelvic pain.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate pathologic findings in appendixes of women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for pelvic pain.


METHODS
Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).


METHODS
Private practice specializing in gynecologic endoscopic surgery.


METHODS
One hundred ninety women.


METHODS
Prophylactic appendectomy.


RESULTS
On pathologic evaluation, 154 appendixes were diagnosed as having one or more abnormal findings, such as endometriosis, carcinoid, chronic appendicitis, periappendicitis, fibrous obliteration, and lymphoid hyperplasia.


CONCLUSIONS
Women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for pelvic pain should be counseled on the high frequency of abnormal findings in the appendix, including endometriosis. Prophylactic appendectomy appears to be a worthwhile consideration in these patients.
Lyons
T L
TL
Center for Women's Care and Reproductive Surgery, 1140 Hammond Drive, Suite F-6230, Atlanta, GA 30328, USA.
Winer
W K
WK
Woo
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000379:methods*; D001065:Appendix / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity