A modified method of laparoscopic presacral neurectomy for the treatment of midline dysmenorrhea.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To describe the modified surgical technique of laparoscopic presacral neurectomy.

DESIGN

A prospective trial (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

Forty-two women with severe midline dysmenorrhea.

INTERVENTION

Laparoscopic modified presacral neurectomy (LMPSN).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We designed a prospective study and used a zero-to-10 pain score system to evaluate 42 patients before and after LMPSN. Before surgery, each patient had pain scores ranging from 7 to 10 and had failed medical management. Mean time required to perform LMPSN was 7.33 +/- 1.76 minutes, and most women were discharged the day after surgery. The mean postoperative pain score of 2.02 +/- 2.25 was obtained 6 months after surgery and again at 12 months. No patient had intraoperative or long-term complications.

CONCLUSION

When a patient requires surgical treatment for chronic midline pelvic pain or severe dysmenorrhea, LMPSN is an alternative choice. It is relatively safe, simple to perform, and satisfactory. This modified surgical procedure appears to increasingly succeed in treatment of midline dysmenorrhea.