The Journal of surgical research
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Investigate the diagnostic and therapeutic utility of laparoscopy in the management of patients with chronic abdominal pain of unknown origin. ⋯ Based on current available evidence, diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) is a safe and effective method for identifying organic causes of chronic abdominal pain. Laparoscopic treatment also resulted in substantial pain relief for a majority of patients. However, the efficacy of laparoscopic adhesiolysis remains controversial. We would recommend the use of DL as an early diagnostic tool, but more robust studies are needed to establish the breadth of its therapeutic utility in clinical practice.