| Culdocentesis | |
|---|---|
| Intervention | |
Sagittal section of the lower part of a female trunk, right segment. (Pouch of Douglas labeled at bottom right.) |
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| ICD-9-CM | 70.0 |
Culdocentesis refers to the extraction of fluid from the rectouterine pouch[1] posterior to the vagina through a needle. It can be one diagnostic technique used in identifying pelvic inflammatory disease (if purulent fluid is extracted) and ectopic pregnancy.[2]
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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