Pelvic Pain in Women : Diagnosis and Management

Pelvic pain in the female patient is common in gynaecological practice, but the specialties of general surgery, urology and orthopaedics provide a significant number of patients and problems. These patients may suffer a multitude of symptoms, and only careful analysis and investigation of each individual problem by the doctor concerned will lead to correct diagnosis and management. The subject matter of this book lies in the practice of many specialties, and all are combined here in a coherent whole. This emphasises the close collaboration necessary between family practitioners, junior hospital staff and consultants. The authors are consultants who work together in a busy district general hospital, and their experience and collaboration is evident in the approach to the diagnosis and management of pelvic pain in the female. Emphasis is laid on the careful evaluation of history and examination and the correct interpretation of diagnostic investigations. Full details of radiology, ultrasound scanning, endoscopy, peritoneoscopy and bacteriological investigation are given. Full consultation between members of staff who have special experience in these investigative procedures is of paramount importance. Details of treatment for relief of pain are important to all doctors concerned with this aspect of clinical management. and this section will be of particular value. The blending of these specialties allows full consideration of the problems affecting the patients. Careful management leads to better treatment for the patient and better satisfaction for the doctor. This is a practical handbook which discusses the diagnostic criteria and treatment of a common problem: female pelvic pain. The contributors are all from one medical center, and their emphasis is on the communication and close collaboration necessary for a successful team approach which reduces patient anxiety. Special attention is given to the careful evaluation of history and examination and the correct interpretation of diagnostic investigations. Full details of radiology, ultrasound scanning, endoscopy, peritoneoscopy and bacteriological investigation are included. Psychological aspects are given appropriate consideration Front Matter....Pages i-xiii General Aspects....Pages 1-20 Examination and Investigation....Pages 21-58 Reproduction and Pain....Pages 59-79 Vulva, Vagina and Perineum....Pages 81-91 Bladder and Renal Tract....Pages 93-101 Gynaecological Pain....Pages 103-131 Surgical and Orthopaedic Causes of Pelvic Pain....Pages 133-156 Pain Management....Pages 157-162 Back Matter....Pages 163-171