Fallopian tube torsion: laparoscopic evaluation and treatment of a rare gynecological entity.

BACKGROUND: Fallopian tube torsion is a cause for acute low abdominal pain that is difficult to diagnose. The purpose of this article is to review the available data on and to update clinicians regarding its diagnosis and treatment in the era of laparoscopic surgery.

METHODS: We searched in MEDLINE and EMBASE and reviewed the lists of references. The keywords used were "laparoscopy," "fallopian tube," and "torsion."

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Fallopian tube torsion is an uncommon cause for acute low abdominal pain in women. Because it has no pathognomonic clinical symptoms or findings on imaging or laboratory studies, a history of current or past pelvic pathologic conditions or surgery, as well as pregnancy, should draw the attention of the attending physician to its occurrence. Early laparoscopy is the reference standard in the diagnosis and treatment.