The surgical management of pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is defined as non-menstrual pain of at least 3 months’ duration or menstrual pain of at least 6 months’ duration. Approximately 15% of women of reproductive age will suffer from CPP. The pain can vary in terms of the degree of social and daily function it inhibits, from work-related impairment of concentration and altered sexual and recreational habits to complete impairment of function resulting in days confined to bed. The pathophysiology may be gynaecological, gastrointestinal, urinary, musculoskeletal or psychiatric. The management will depend upon the diagnosis: in gynaecological conditions this is often achieved and managed through laparoscopy.