Laparoscopy in a community hospital--an initial experience.

36 diagnostic laparoscopies performed over an 8-month period are reported. The main indication for the procedure was pelvic pain. Endometriosis was found in 50% of the cases and 20% were without pathology. Of the remaining patients 2 had ectopic pregnancies 5 had pelvic masses which turned out to be cysts 5 cases were hepatabiliary problems 1 was metastatic malignancy 1 was chronic chollcystitis 1 was liver atrophy and 2 were questionable hepatitis. 3 cases of tubal fulguration were also included. The average hospial stay was 48 hours. Many patients may be discharged on the afternoon of surgery. The procedure is safe convenient and informative.