Abstract

Aims & Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy and therapeutic value of diagnostic Laparoscopy in cases with chronic abdominal pain.                                       

Materials and Methods: This study included 60 patients presenting with history of abdominal pain for 3 or more months who were admitted in surgical wards between May 2011 to January 2013 with inconclusive diagnostic work up. Patients were subjected to diagnostic laproscopy with biopsy, appendicectomy or cholecystectomy if findings suggestive of pathology. Postoperatively, patients were evaluated for resolution of abdominal pain.

Results: Abdominal tuberculosis was most common cause for chronic abdominal pain (38.33%).In 51 patients with chronic abdominal pain pathological findings on laparoscopy were present, giving a diagnostic accuracy of 85%.                               

Conclusion: Diagnostic laparoscopy is an effective approach in the management of patients with chronic abdominal pain. It is the most specific diagnostic test for abdominal tuberculosis with its advantage of histological confirmation.

Keywords: Diagnostic laparoscopy, abdominal pain.