[Position and significance of gynecologic laparoscopy]

Over the last 1 1/2 years diagnostic laparoscopy has been performed in 135 cases and laparoscopic tubal cauterization carried out in 15 patients. Indications and the diagnostic Value of the gynecological laparoscopy are discussed. In agreement with other authors, laparoscopy is found to have a definite place for the diagnosis of the following gynecological disorders and complaints: 1. Examination of fallopian tubes in cases of infertility, diagnosis of malformations of the genital organs and of grave functional disorders of the ovaries; 2. Possible ectopic pregnancy; 3. Differential diagnosis of pelvic mass; 4. Evaluation of chronic pelvic pain; 5. Differential diagnosis of acute diseases of pelvic and lower abdominal organs. Histological examinations of coagulated human fallopian tubes yielded information on the mechanism of action of this modern method of sterilization.