Not all pain is visible and not all solutions are obvious, especially in chronic pelvic pain. In this episode of BackTable OBGYN, host Dr. Mark Hoffman welcomes Dr. Aakriti Carrubba, an expert in minimally invasive gynecological surgery and pelvic pain from the Mayo Clinic, to talk through the evaluation and treatment of chronic pelvic pain.
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SYNPOSIS
Dr. Carrubba shares her journey from Kentucky to Florida, detailing her extensive training and interest in managing pelvic pain. The discussion covers the evaluation of pelvic pain, the significance of a thorough patient history and systematic pelvic exams, and the role of interdisciplinary approaches, including physical therapy and pain management. Dr. Carrubba emphasizes the importance of addressing central sensitization and chronic pain syndromes, explaining that not all pain can be attributed solely to structural abnormalities. The episode also touches on the integration of advanced AI tools in medical practice to enhance patient documentation and overall care.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
01:09 - Dr. Carrubba’s Background and Journey
03:54 - Fellowship Experience and Pelvic Pain Focus
06:44 - Approach to Chronic Pelvic Pain
14:04 - Detailed Pelvic Pain Exam Techniques
17:14 - Trigger Point Injections and Their Role
21:33 - Challenges in Pain Management and Education
26:34 - Role of Central Sensitization in Chronic Pelvic Pain
29:35 - Approach to Central Sensitization and Screening
33:13 - Approaches to Excision Surgery
36:04 - Post-Surgery Management and Hormonal Suppression
38:19 - Teaching and Training in Pelvic Pain Management
41:35 - Pain Rehabilitation Clinic for Central Sensitization
44:59 - Teaching Pelvic Pain Anatomy to Trainees
48:24 - Advancements in AI for Medical Documentation
52:26 - Reflections on Pelvic Pain Training and Education
56:00 - Final Thoughts