Appendectomy in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for pelvic pain.

STUDY

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate pathologic findings in appendixes of women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for pelvic pain.

DESIGN

Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

Private practice specializing in gynecologic endoscopic surgery.

PATIENTS: One hundred ninety women.

INTERVENTION: Prophylactic appendectomy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN

RESULTS

On pathologic evaluation, 154 appendixes were diagnosed as having one or more abnormal findings, such as endometriosis, carcinoid, chronic appendicitis, periappendicitis, fibrous obliteration, and lymphoid hyperplasia.

CONCLUSION

Women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for pelvic pain should be counseled on the high frequency of abnormal findings in the appendix, including endometriosis. Prophylactic appendectomy appears to be a worthwhile consideration in these patients.