Inguinal pelviscopy. A new approach for examining the pelvic organs.

Inguinal pelviscopy is a new approach for examining structures in the extra- and intraperitoneal pelvic cavity. The total number of patients studied was 70. The method was used to visualize and take biopsies from masses in the presacral area (3 patients) and in the ovaries (8 patients). Ovarian biopsies were taken from 26 patients (14 with primary amenorrhea and 12 with elevated follicle-stimulating hormone), and ovarian cyst aspiration and biopsy were performed in 12 patients. Tubal sterilization was done in 18 cases and lysis of pelvic adhesions in 3 infertile patients. The procedure comprises entry of the extraperitoneal pelvic cavity through the inguinal canal. Intraperitoneal pelvic cavity examination can also be done by piercing the peritoneum at the deep inguinal ring or close to the fallopian tube. No complications were encountered except urinary retention in 1 patient with presacral tumor and abdominal wall hematoma in another patient. The approach is safe, direct and easy. It is performed on an outpatient basis.