| Culdocentesis | |
|---|---|
 Sagittal section of the lower part of a female trunk, right segment. (Pouch of Douglas labeled at bottom right.)
| |
| ICD-9-CM | 70.0 |
| MedlinePlus | 003919 |
Culdocentesis is a medical procedure involving the extraction of fluid from the pouch of Douglas (a rectouterine pouch posterior to the vagina) through a needle. It can be one diagnostic technique used in identifying pelvic inflammatory disease (in which case purulent fluid will be extracted) and ruptured ectopic pregnancies that cause hemoperitoneum.
In the procedure, the rectouterine pouch is often reached through the posterior fornix of the vagina. The process of creating the hole is called colpotomy if a scalpel incision is made to drain the fluid rather than using a needle.
See also
External links
- MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: 003919
- "Culdocentesis and colpotomy" at World Health Organization
- Colpotomy at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)