- Culdoscope
- The viewing tube (endoscope) introduced through the end of the vagina into the cul-de-sac. The cul-de-sac is also called the rectouterine pouch (the pouch of Douglas), an extension of the peritoneal cavity between the rectum and back wall of the uterus. This procedure is termed culdoscopy. The word "culdoscope" (and "culdoscopy") is derived from "cul-de-sac" which is a blind pouch or cavity that is closed at one end and, in a more specific sense, refers to the rectouterine pouch. In French, "cul-de-sac" literally is "bottom of (a) sack." As early as the 13th century, a cul-de-sac was a dead-end street (or a dead-end way), a blind alley.
* * *Endoscopic instrument used in culdoscopy.
* * *
n.a tubular instrument with lenses and a light source, used for direct observation of the uterus, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes (culdoscopy). The instrument is passed through the wall of the vagina behind to the neck of the uterus. The culdoscope has now been largely replaced by the laparoscope.* * *
cul·do·scope (kulґdo-skōp) an endoscope for performing culdoscopy.
Medical dictionary. 2011.