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Surgery for Chronic Pelvic Pain

Table of Contents

Surgery Overview

Laparotomy is a surgical procedure that is done by making an incision in the lower abdomen. This allows the surgeon to see and inspect the abdominal cavity for structural problems, sites of endometriosis (implants), and scar tissue (adhesions). The surgeon can then remove implants and adhesions. The surgeon can also correct structural problems that interfere with an organ's normal function, such as removing adhesions from the bowel wall.

Many of the procedures that required a laparotomy in the past can now be done with laparoscopy, which uses a smaller incision. Ask your surgeon why laparotomy is required.

What To Expect

Why It Is Done

Laparotomy is a likely treatment for moderate to severe chronic female pelvic pain when:

A laparotomy is usually required to remove:

How Well It Works

Surgery for chronic female pelvic pain should be limited to the treatment of surgically correctable problems.

Risks

Credits for Surgery for Chronic Pelvic Pain

Current as of: November 27, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.