Complications and feasibility of laparoscopic adhesiolysis in patients with chronic abdominal pain. A retrospective study.
BACKGROUND
A retrospective study was done to determine whether laparoscopic adhesiolysis benefits patients with chronic abdominal pain. Factors that influence complications and feasibility of laparoscopic adhesiolysis were evaluated.


METHODS
174 consecutive operations in 157 patients were retrospectively analyzed for factors which might influence the complication rate and the feasibility of laparoscopic adhesiolysis.


RESULTS
In 128 out of 174 procedures a complete adhesiolysis was performed. We had to accept an incomplete adhesiolysis in 39 other patients and in 7 patients a primary conversion was needed. We noticed 16 major complications. Two patients died. Relief of pain was recorded in 80% of patients after short follow-up. The number of previous abdominal operations and patient age significantly affected the outcome of surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic adhesiolysis in patients with chronic abdominal pain seems to be a feasible and effective operation with considerable risk.
Swank
D J
DJ
Department of Surgery, Groene Hart Hospital, Gouda, PO Box 1098, 2800 BB Gouda, The Netherlands. djswank@XS4ALL.nl
van Erp
W F M
WF
Repelaer van Driel
O J
OJ
Hop
W C J
WC
Bonjer
H J
HJ
Jeekel
J
J
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D012008:Recurrence; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000601:surgery*