Advance Women's Health Institute Michael L. Moore, M.D. 425 S Cherry St Suite 907 Denver, CO 80246 USA Office: 303.321.2255 Toll Free: 1.800.577.4295 Fax: 303.321.0856		View a Topic: __________________________________ Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Fibroid Tumors Endometriosis Chronic Pelvic Pain Pelvic Prolapse Urinary Incontinence Infertility Hormone Replacement Therapy How is chronic pelvic pain diagnosed? A combination of history, physical examination, laboratory, and additional diagnostic studies as indicated must be done to determine the cause of pelvic pain. Pain mapping is a procedure used to identify the location of the pain with various diagnostic modalities. Ultrasound - Ultrasound is a noninvasive way to diagnose some gynecologic conditions. Ultrasound is a noninvasive pelvic imaging technology. It is generally perceived as being no different than a pelvic exam as far as patient discomfort goes. It can help in finding uterine fibroids, ovarian tumors, pelvic abnormalities, adenomyosis and certain cases of endometriosis and occasionally cancer. It is much more accurate than a simple pelvic examination. Limited pain mapping is possible with ultrasound guidance. Return to top Transvaginal Hydrolaparoscopy (THL) - THL as previously described is useful for diagnosing infertility and endometriosis. Recently, it has been used for pain mapping. Under local IV sedation the patient is conscious and helps the physician denote where and how extensive the pain is. This permits the physician to adequately address the possible treatment modes for pelvic pain. If the pelvic pain is not identified in the posterior pelvis, laparoscopy may be necessary to evaluate the anterior pelvis and the upper abdomen. Return to top Diagnostic Laparoscopy - This requires 2-4 small incisions in the abdomen so a scope can be inserted through the belly button to diagnose and possibly treat pelvic pain. A 3-mm fiberoptic scope is inserted through the abdomen while the patient has IV sedation to perform pelvic pain mapping. If pathology is found, then operative laparoscopy can be performed at the same time with a general anesthetic. Return to work should be anticipated in approximately 2 weeks. Return to top Welcome l Minimally Invasive Surgery l Services & Care l Clinical Trials Insurance and Terms l Home l Contact Us Copyright © 2001-2003 Advanced Women's Health Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.