MICROLAPAROSCOPY FOR SUSPECTED PELVIC PATHOLOGY - A COMPARISON OF 2MMVERSUS 10MM LAPAROSCOPE

This study presents an independently-assessed comparison of the laparo scopic view obtained using a 2mm versus 10mm laparoscope in women with suspected pelvic pathology. Fifteen female volunteers booked for lapa roscopy with clinical evidence of pelvic abnormality according to clin ical findings and/or pelvic ultrasound were recruited for this study. Sequential observations were carried out by independent observers for clinically significant differences. Although discrepancies were noted in 3 patients the view obtained with the 2mm microendoscope was consid ered to be comparable to that obtained with the 10mm telescope. The ca ses with discordant findings included mild or minimal endometriosis an d distal tubal disease:. The results of this study suggest that microe ndoscopy is likely to be entirely adequate for many routine laparoscop ic procedures and sterilization.