Culdolaparoscopy: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce a surgical technique that combines culdoscopy with laparoscopy and microlaparoscopy. METHODS: This was a feasibility study conducted at The Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens. The technique is used when a larger port is required during laparoscopy or microlaparoscopy procedures. The additional port is placed in the vagina and, under laparoscopic surveillance, into the posterior cul-de-sac. RESULTS: This operation has been performed successfully in 5 oophorectomies, 4 myomectomies, 3 salpingoophorectomies, and 1 salpingectomy. CONCLUSION: This technique reduces the need for abdominal ports in excess of 5 mm. These ports can have a visual or operative function depending on the nature or stage of the procedure. The vaginal port can serve a visual function similar to that of culdoscopy or may be used for the introduction of operative instruments and the extraction of specimens. A principal benefit of using the larger vaginal port is derived from the capability of assisting laparoscopy and allowing the surgeon to use fewer and smaller abdominal trocars.