Use of optical catheters for diagnostic office laparoscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate several small optical catheters (1.8-mm outer diameter) developed to allow access to the pelvic cavity for laparoscopic diagnosis in the operating room and in an office setting.


METHODS
Thirty-six procedures are reported, 20 performed in the operating room so that proper placement could be monitored and ensured, and the findings were compared with those obtained with a standard, 10-mm laparoscope. The remaining 16 procedures were performed in an office setting. The patients were women who were candidates for second-look laparoscopy, had pelvic pain and no physical findings, or were evaluated for possible tubal anastomosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The small, rigid catheter, with its excellent optics, provided a clear view of the pelvis without the need for general anesthesia and associated costs. The procedure was performed easily and successfully with a local anesthetic and with minimal discomfort for the patient.
Feste
J R
JR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
D000291:Adnexal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D002404:Catheterization / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020706:Laparoscopes; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D009819:Office Visits; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000175:diagnosis; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000175:diagnosis
D000779:Anesthetics, Local