Ep. 94 Chronic Pelvic Pain: Evaluation & Treatment Options with Dr. Aakriti R. Carrubba

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.---SYNPOSISDr. 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.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction01:09 - Dr. Carrubba’s Background and Journey03:54 - Fellowship Experience and Pelvic Pain Focus06:44 - Approach to Chronic Pelvic Pain14:04 - Detailed Pelvic Pain Exam Techniques17:14 - Trigger Point Injections and Their Role21:33 - Challenges in Pain Management and Education26:34 - Role of Central Sensitization in Chronic Pelvic Pain29:35 - Approach to Central Sensitization and Screening33:13 - Approaches to Excision Surgery36:04 - Post-Surgery Management and Hormonal Suppression38:19 - Teaching and Training in Pelvic Pain Management41:35 - Pain Rehabilitation Clinic for Central Sensitization44:59 - Teaching Pelvic Pain Anatomy to Trainees48:24 - Advancements in AI for Medical Documentation52:26 - Reflections on Pelvic Pain Training and Education56:00 - Final Thoughts