An advanced flexible laparoscope with wide optic angle for observing diaphragmatic lesions associated with catamenial pneumothorax.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To explore diaphragmatic lesions that are potentially associated with catamenial pneumothorax by using an advanced flexible laparoscope with wide optic angle.

DESIGN:

Case report.

SETTING:

University hospital.

PATIENT(S):

A 30-year-old woman who was scheduled for thoracoscopic surgery because of recurrent right-sided catamenial pneumothorax.

INTERVENTION(S):

The peritoneal surface of the diaphragm was explored with an advanced flexible laparoscope that was equipped with a charge-coupled device on the tip, concurrently with thoracoscopic surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):

Lesions associated with endometriosis on the peritoneal surface of the posterior diaphragm abutting the posterior abdominal wall and liver.

RESULT(S):

When the flexible laparoscope was inserted via an umbilical trocar and the peritoneal surface of the right-sided diaphragm was explored, guided by illumination from the thoracoscope, scattered specific lattice lesions and fenestrations were identified in the central tendon of the posterior diaphragm, a region that cannot be visualized with the conventional rigid laparoscope.

CONCLUSION(S):

By using the flexible laparoscope, endometriotic lesions potentially related to catamenial pneumothorax were identified on the posterior diaphragm.

• Authors: Jun Kumakiri, Hiroyuki Takeuchi, Hideaki Miyamoto, Hiroto Shimanuki, Yuko Kobayashi, Keiji Kuroda
• Journal: Fertility and sterility (Fertil Steril) Vol. 90 Issue 4 Pg. 1200.e11-4 (Oct 2008) ISSN: 1556-5653 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18155702 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Endometriosis (pathology)
• Equipment Design
• Female
• Humans
• Image Enhancement (instrumentation)
• Laparoscopes
• Pneumothorax (pathology)
• Syndrome
• Thoracoscopy (methods)