The role of diagnostic laparoscopy for chronic abdominal conditions: an evidence-based review Article

Full Text via DOI: 10.1007/s00464-009-0467-6 PMID: 19357920 Web of Science: 000269209700022

Cited authors

  • Richardson, W. S.; Stefanidis, D.; Chang, L.; Earle, D. B.; Fanelli, R. D.

Abstract

  • Diagnostic laparoscopy is minimally invasive surgery for the diagnosis of intraabdominal diseases. The aim of this review is a critical examination of the available literature on the role of laparoscopy for chronic intraabdominal conditions.; A systematic literature search of English-language articles on MEDLINE, the Cochrane database of evidence-based reviews, and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects was performed for the period 1995-2006. The level of evidence in the identified articles was graded. The search identified and reviewed six main categories that have received attention in the literature: pelvic pain and endometriosis, primary and secondary infertility, nonpalpable testis, and liver disease.; The indications, contraindications, risks, benefits, diagnostic accuracy of the procedure, and its associated morbidity are discussed.; The limitations of the available literature are highlighted, and evidence-based recommendations for the use of laparoscopy to stage intraabdominal cancers are provided.

Publication date

  • 2009

Published in

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0930-2794

Start page

  • 2073

End page

  • 2077

Volume

  • 23

Issue

  • 9