The role of diagnostic laparoscopy for chronic abdominal conditions

[Htet Aung (DSMA)]

Background Diagnostic laparoscopy is minimally invasive surgery for
the diagnosis of intraabdominal diseases. The aim of this review is a
critical examination of the available literature on the role of
laparoscopy for chronic intraabdominal conditions.
Methods A systematic literature search of English-language articles
on MEDLINE, the Cochrane database of evidence-based reviews, and the
Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects was performed for the
period 1995–2006. The level of evidence in the identified articles was
graded. The search identified and reviewed six main categories that
have received attention in the literature: pelvic pain and
endometriosis, primary and secondary infertility, nonpalpable testis,
and liver disease.
Results The indications, contraindications, risks, benefits,
diagnostic accuracy of the procedure, and its associated morbidity are
discussed.
Conclusions The limitations of the available literature are
highlighted, and evidence-based recommendations for the use of
laparoscopy to stage intraabdominal cancers are provided.


1) Department of Surgery, Ochsner Clinic, New Orleans, LA, USA
(2) Department of General Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center,
Charlotte, NC, USA
(3) Department of General Surgery, Virginia Mason Medical Center,
Seattle, WA, USA
(4) Department of Surgery, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA,
USA
(5) Department of Surgery, Surgical Specialists of Western New
England, PC and Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, MA, USA
(6) Laparoscopic Surgery, Ochsner Health System, 1514 Jefferson
Highway, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA



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