Laparoscopy in Macaca mulatta: specialized equipment employed and initial observations.

Laparoscopy in rhesus monkeys and specialized equipment developed or adapted for this procedure are described. Repeated laparoscopy in the same animal throughout the menstrual cycle showed by morphological and hormonal criteria that this technique does not significantly influence follicular growth, ovulation, luteal function or cycle length. Observations of the side of ovulation and other follicle/corpus luteum relationships are also described.