Culdolaparoscopic Cholecystectomy During Vaginal Hysterectomy

BACKGROUND: Exploration of the abdominal cavity is routinely performed during abdominal and laparoscopic hysterectomies. The visualization of the abdomen during vaginal hysterectomy, however, is not usually done. During a vaginal hysterectomy, after the uterus is removed, an opening is present in the cul-de-sac, which offers a unique opportunity for the performance of not only exploratory but also concomitant surgeries, such as a cholecystectomy. METHODS: Culdolaparascopy is a culdoscopy assisted laparoscopic technique that utilizes a 12-mm trocar in the vagina as a multifunctional port in conjunction with laparoscopy and minilaparoscopy. A cholecystectomy was performed utilizing the vaginal trocar as an insufflation, visual, and extracting port during a vaginal hysterectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Culdolaparoscopy, when performed during vaginal hysterectomy, can be used for exploration and operation in the abdominal cavity. This case report illustrates the feasibility of a cholecystectomy performed using this surgical concept.