Role of Diagnostic Laparoscopy in Identifying the cause of Chronic Abdominal Pain

Abstract

Background: Chronic abdominal pain is a prevalent and challenging medical condition characterized by persistent pain in the abdomen lasting for more than three months. The pain can be due to a variety of gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal causes, and it often requires a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis and management. Common causes include irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pancreatitis, and adhesions, among others.

Objective: To determine the role of diagnostic laparoscopy in identifying the cause of chronic abdominal pain.

Methodology: This observational study was conducted at Department of Surgery, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College Sukkur in tertiary-care hospital from 1^st January 2022 to 31^st December 2023. A total of 80 patients having age of ≥20years were included. Patients who were suffering from abdominal pain for more than 6 months and having non-conclusive diagnosis were included.

Results: Males were comparatively more in number as compared to females. Appendicitis was the main examination outcomes after laparoscopic evaluation followed by bands of adhesion. In 88% of the patients, total relief in pain was observed.

Conclusion: Laparoscopy proves a definitive diagnosis in chronic abdominal pain’ patients and thus helps in therapeutic intervention. 

Keywords: Abdominal pain, Laparoscopy, Irritable bowel syndrome, Inflammatory bowel disease, Diagnostic method.