Development of flexible culdoscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To assess correlation between findings at standard laparoscopy and office flexible culdoscopy.


METHODS
Observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).


METHODS
University-affiliated hospital.


METHODS
Eleven women undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy to evaluate infertility.


METHODS
Microlaparoscopy and flexible culdoscopy. In the first six cases laparoscopy was performed first followed by culdoscopy; in the last five cases the order was reversed.


RESULTS
The number of endometriotic implants or adhesions was counted for both operative techniques. The flexible 2.2-mm culdoscope provided a view of the pelvis similar to the laparoscope. Correlation between the procedures was 100%. The flexible scope achieved better visualization than the standard rigid posterior cul-de-sac culdoscope.


CONCLUSIONS
Flexible culdoscopy is a excellent procedure for diagnostic endoscopy. It correlates well with office laparoscopy, requires less anesthesia, and is better tolerated by patients. Several operative procedures are currently being tested through this mode of access.
Paulson
J D
JD
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fallon Health Clinic, 100 Central Street, Worcester, MA 01608; fax 508 795 0854.
Ross
J W
JW
El-Sahwi
S
S
D003464:Culdoscopy; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D010535:Laparoscopy; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D000267:Tissue Adhesions