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culdocentesis
Pronunciation: kul-doh-sen-TEE-sis
Diagnostic procedure involving needle puncture through the posterior vaginal wall to aspirate fluid from the pouch of Douglas.
Full Definition
A minimally invasive diagnostic procedure performed to detect the presence of blood, pus, or other fluid in the pouch of Douglas (rectovesical pouch). The procedure involves inserting a needle through the posterior fornix of the vagina into the peritoneal cavity. It was historically used to diagnose ruptured ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, or pelvic inflammatory disease, though it has largely been replaced by transvaginal ultrasound and other imaging modalities.
Usage
Usage note: Largely historical procedure; ensure correct spelling with 'dul' not 'dol' in the middle.
In Context
- "Culdocentesis revealed nonclotting blood, suggesting hemoperitoneum from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy." — Emergency department note
- "The procedure note documented a negative culdocentesis with no fluid obtained." — Procedure report
Also known as
posterior colpotomy
culpocentesis
Don't confuse with
colpocentesis
culdoscopy