@article{3051465,
    title = "Laparoscopy in the context of lower abdominal pain in young women",
    author = "Linos, DA and Vlitaki, M and Peppas, G and Tsakayannis, D",
    journal = "JOURNAL OF LAPAROENDOSCOPIC & ADVANCED SURGICAL TECHNIQUES-PART A",
    year = "1999",
    volume = "9",
    number = "1",
    pages = "39-43",
    publisher = "MARY ANN LIEBERT INC PUBL",
    doi = "10.1089/lap.1999.9.39",
    abstract = "The management of lower abdominal pain in young women carries up to 45%
chance of diagnostic error. Laparoscopic management may be particularly
beneficial in this subset of patients. This study reviews the authors’
experience with laparoscopy as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic
tool in young women with lower abdominal pain. The authors analyzed 121
consecutive female patients, with a mean age of 30 years, who were
evaluated from June 1995 to October 1997. All patients were managed by
early laparoscopy within 24 h from the onset of symptoms. Radiographic
imaging, including computed tomography and ultrasound, was performed in
79 patients (65.2%). Laparoscopy was diagnostic in all cases. In 58
patients (48%), multiple pathologic conditions were identified. Acute
appendicitis was the most common diagnosis (82.6%), and benign
gynecologic disorders was the predominant reason for multiple pathologic
conditions (clinical evaluation was erroneous in 15% of patients). In
96% of patients, definite surgical treatment was provided
laparoscopically. The mean hospitalization time was 2.0 +/- 1 days, and
the mean operative time was 59.8 +/- 21 min. The overall complication
rate was 2.5%. In young women, early laparoscopy can offer a safe and
effective alternative for the definite diagnosis and treatment of lower
abdominal pain."
}