Role of hysteroscopy in evaluating chronic pelvic pain.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a survey of various gynecological conditions causing chronic pelvic pain (CPP) that might be diagnosed by hysteroscopy.

DESIGN

Review article.

SETTING

Departments of obstetrics and gynecology and pathophysiology of human reproduction at a university in Italy.

PATIENT(S): Women affected by CPP.

INTERVENTION(S): Hysteroscopy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Effectiveness in diagnosing intrauterine pathologies that cause CPP.

RESULT(S): Hysteroscopy is highly effective in diagnosing various gynecological causes of CPP, including adenomyosis, chronic endometritis, Müllerian anomalies, retained fetal bones, endocervical ossification, and intrauterine abnormalities. Furthermore, hysteroscopy may play a primary role in the resolution of some of these conditions.

CONCLUSION(S): Because it can be executed safely in an office setting without anesthesia, hysteroscopy may be indicated, together with the other noninvasive procedures such as transvaginal ultrasonography, as a first-level investigation in women who are affected by CPP.