The laparoscopic approach to control intractable pelvic neuralgia: from laparoscopic pelvic neurosurgery to the LION procedure.
OBJECTIVE
To present different aspects and advantages of the laparoscopic approach to the pelvic nerves aimed at treating intractable pelvic neuralgia.


METHODS
We report on a nonconsecutive series of 7 patients with different types and etiologies of chronic pelvic neuralgia, all of whom underwent laparoscopy. In all 7 cases, the neuralgia was refractory to medical management and had profound socioeconomic consequences for the patients.


RESULTS
Techniques of laparoscopic transperitoneal neurolysis of several pelvic somatic nerves are described but also our technique of laparoscopic implantation of neuroprothesis for neuromodulation on somatic pelvic nerves or on autonomic pelvic nerves as the superior hypogastric plexus.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic approach to the pelvic nerves opens new possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic neuralgia, and offers new curative surgical techniques.
Possover
Marc
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Elisabeth Hospital, Cologne, Germany. MarcPossover@aol.com
Baekelandt
Jan
J
Chiantera
Vito
V
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods