THE DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF A 1.2‐mm MINILAPAROSCOPE

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic suitability of a fibreoptic minilaparoscope with a diameter of 1.2 mm. Design Laparoscopy was performed under general anaesthesia, first with a 1.2‐mm minilaparoscope, and then immediately with a conventional 10‐mm laparoscope. The findings obtained by minilaparoscopy were compared with those obtained by conventional laparoscopy. Setting Two university‐based hospitals. Subjects These were 20 patients, whose ages ranged from 16 to 40 years, and body weight from 52 to 115kg. Laparoscopy was performed because of infertility (13 patients), chronic pelvic pain (2), suspected ectopic pregnancy (2), sterilization (1) and for laparoscopic surveillance during operative hysteroscopy (2). Results The visualization of pelvic organs with the minilaparoscope was acceptable, although the size of the video image was smaller when compared with that from a 10‐mm telescope. Pelvic findings obtained by minilaparoscopy coincided with those on conventional laparoscopy in 17 patients. Small endometriotic implants in the anterior cul‐de‐sac, as well as white fibrotic endometriotic plaques in the pouch of Douglas, were misinterpreted in three patients. Adhesions, distal tubal occlusions, small fibroids, hydatid cysts, and tubal pregnancies were correctly diagnosed by minilaparoscope. No complications occurred in any of the 20 patients. Conclusions The 1.2‐mm fibreoptic telescope, introduced through the Veress needle, may be useful for diagnostic procedures.