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Culdocentesis is a procedure that checks for abnormal fluid in the space just behind the vagina (cul-de-sac).
How the test is performedFirst, you will have a pelvic examination. Then, the health care provider will grasp the cervix with an instrument and lift it slightly.
A long, thin needle is inserted through the wall of the vagina (just below the uterus). A sample is taken of any fluid found in the space. The needle is pulled out.
How to prepare for the testYou may be asked to walk or sit for a short time before the test is done.
How the test will feelYou may have an uncomfortable, cramping feeling when the cervix is grasped. There is a sharp, brief pain as the needle is inserted.
Why the test is performedThis procedure is done when you have pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis, and other tests suggest there is fluid in the cul-de-sac. This test may also be done when the doctor suspects a ruptured ectopic pregnancy or ovarian cyst.
The test is rarely done today because an ultrasound can usually detect fluid in the cul-de-sac.
Normal ValuesNo fluid in the cul-de-sac, or a very small amount of clear fluid, is normal.
What abnormal results meanEven when no fluid is found, it may be present, and you may need other tests. If fluid is drawn, it is cultured to see if you have an infection. If nonclotting blood is found in the cul-de-sac, you may need emergency surgery.
What the risks areRisks include:
- Puncturing the uterine or bowel wall
You may need someone to take you home if you were given a sedative.
Culdocentesis is done very infrequently because a diagnosis can often be made with pelvic ultrasound.
What else can I help you with?
What happens in a culdocentesis?
In this procedure a needle is inserted into the space at the top of the vagina, behind the uterus and in front of the rectum
What is the medical term meaning Insertion of a needle to gain access to the peritoneal cul-de-sac?
Culdocentesis is puncture of the cul-de-sac.Culdocentesis
What is the medical term meaning surgical puncture of the bladder?
Uterine perforation is used for accidental puncture of the uterus. Hysterocentesis is the medical term meaning surgical puncture of the uterus.
What is the surgical procedure to remove fluid from the cul-de-sac called?
The surgical procedure to remove fluid from the cul-de-sac is called culdocentesis. This procedure involves inserting a needle through the vaginal wall into the rectouterine pouch (cul-de-sac) to aspirate fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. It is often used to evaluate conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, or other causes of pelvic pain.
What is colpocentesis?
The insertion of a long needle attached to a syringe through the back wall of the vagina to gain access to the peritoneal cul-de-sac (the area between the uterus and the rectum) to drain fluid.
What is the medical term meaning surgical puncture of the abdomen to remove excess fluid?
There are two terms that are puncturing of the abdominal cavity to remove fluid, paracentesis and abdominocentesis. Of these, paracentesis is more commonly used. It can be used to remove excess fluid from the abdomen. This excess fluid is called ascites. Performed usually with ultrasound and local anaesthetic, and often the fluid drained off is sent to a laboratory for testing. There are also specialized terms used if you are talking about draining specific areas, such as culdocentesis. Celiocentesis is the term used in veterinary medicine for this procedure. Abdominocentesis Paracentesis (para = beside + centesis = puncture) is also known as peritoneocentesis and laparocentesis. The abdominal wall is punctured and fluid is removed. It is used to relieve the pressure of ascites, to diagnose infections or cancer, and to confirm free blood in the abdominal cavity. Abdominocentesis (abdomin = belly + centesis = puncture) is also known as paracentesis, peritoneocentesis and laparocentesis. The abdominal wall (peritoneal cavity) is punctured by a needle and peritoneal fluid is withdrawn. This can be used to relieve abdominal pressure from ascites, diagnose infectious agents, cancer or free blood in the peritoneal space.
