title: Culdoscopy using an optical cannula.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe a technique for inserting an endoscope through the posterior vaginal fornix under direct vision using an optical cannula.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective case study.
  
  
  METHODS
  University Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with infertility referred for investigation in secondary care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Insertion of culdoscope using an optical cannula.
  
  
  METHODS
  Successful introduction of the culdoscope.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixteen of 20 patients had successful introduction of the optical cannula. There were no reported complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Insertion of a culdoscope into the cul-de-sac can be done under visual control and this may reduce the risks of complications associated with blind insertion using a modified Veress needle.
authors.affiliation: Minimally Invasive Therapy Unit and Endoscopy Training Centre, University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Magos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000858:Anovulation; D001835:Body Weight; D003464:Culdoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055095:Optics and Photonics