culdocentesis
Pronunciation: KUL-doh-sen-TEE-sis
Diagnostic procedure involving needle aspiration of fluid from the pouch of Douglas through the posterior vaginal fornix.
Full Definition
Culdocentesis is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to obtain fluid from the posterior cul-de-sac (pouch of Douglas) for analysis. The procedure involves inserting a needle through the posterior vaginal fornix into the peritoneal cavity to aspirate any accumulated fluid. This technique has historically been used to diagnose conditions such as ruptured ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cyst rupture, or pelvic inflammatory disease with associated fluid collection. While largely superseded by improved imaging techniques and diagnostic laparoscopy, culdocentesis may still be performed in resource-limited settings or specific clinical scenarios where rapid diagnosis is needed.
Usage
Usage note: Largely historical procedure, now mainly replaced by ultrasound and laparoscopy for diagnosis.
In Context
- "Emergency culdocentesis revealed non-clotting blood, suggesting hemoperitoneum from ectopic pregnancy." — emergency procedure note
- "Culdocentesis was performed to confirm the presence of purulent fluid in suspected PID." — diagnostic workup