| Culdocentesis | |
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Sagittal section of the lower part of a female trunk, right segment. (Pouch of Douglas labeled at bottom right.)
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| Specialty | gynaecology |
| ICD-9-CM | 70.0 |
| MedlinePlus | 003919 |
Culdocentesis is a medical procedure involving the extraction of fluid from the rectouterine pouch (pouch of Douglas)[1] 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.[2]
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.
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Tests and procedures involving the female reproductive system
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| Ovaries |
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| Fallopian tubes |
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| Uterus |
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| Vagina |
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| Vulva |
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| Medical imaging |
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