The role of laparoscopy in chronic and recurrent abdominal pain

Background This study was designed to determine the efficacy of laparoscopy on patients with a history of recurrent and chronic abdominal pain longer than 3 months, of unknown origin. Methods From September 1990 to May 1994, we performed 66 laparoscopic treatments on 59 patients. The assessment of life quality ensured the disability score, the McGill pain questionnaire, and the visual analogue pain scale, which were completed preoperatively, then on the day of discharge, and finally at a mean period follow-up of 75.3 weeks. Laparoscopy provided diagnosis on 53 of 59 patients (89.8%). Results All 66 attempted laparoscopic procedures were completed successfully, no conversion to laparotomy was necessary, and no postoperative complication occurred. Five out of 59 patients (8.5%) revealed no improvement of pain postoperatively, and 6 out of 56 (10.7%) still suffer from pain at the time of the follow-up. Conclusions The pain assessment and disability score was statistically significant postoperatively and at the time of the follow-up in relation to the preoperative score.