[Diagnostic algorithms for chronic pelvic and perineal pain: from symptoms to syndromes].
BACKGROUND
Patients with chronic pelvic and perineal pain often report diffuse, poorly systematized symptoms and the aetiological work-up can often be difficult. The purpose of this article is to propose a series of diagnostic algorithms to facilitate the aetiological work-up of chronic pelvic and perineal pain.


METHODS
A review of the literature was performed by searching PubMed for articles on chronic pelvic and perineal pain. Diagnostic algorithms were established by starting with symptoms to define syndromes.


RESULTS
Algorithms were established for the various types of chronic pain: perineal pain, bladder pain, epididymotesticular pain, urethral pain, vulvar pain, inguinal pain, male dyspareunia, female dyspareunia and diffuse pelvic and perineal pain. A clinical assessment and complementary investigations were proposed for each algorithm to establish an aetiological diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The proposed algorithms are designed to be a clinical aid and do not constitute a comprehensive diagnostic approach to chronic pelvic and perineal pain.
Clinique urologique, centre fédératif de pelvipérinéologie, hôpital Hôtel Dieu, CHU de Nantes, 1, place Alexis-Ricordeau, 44000 Nantes, France. jrigaud@chu-nantes.fr
J
J
Rigaud
D
D
Delavierre
L
L
Sibert
J-J
JJ
Labat
D000465:Algorithms; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010502:Perineum; D013577:Syndrome