THE DIAGNOSTIC-ACCURACY OF A MICROLAPAROSCOPE

The performance of microlaparoscopy has been limited until recently. The introduction of a 2-mm laparoscope for diagnostic and minor procedural work may represent a technologic advance. Before such systems are used widely, their diagnostic accuracy must be validated. Twenty patients underwent laparoscopy first with a 2-mm microlaparoscope and then immediately with a 10-mm laparoscope. All cases were videotaped. The fiberoptic system in the 2-mm laparoscope gave pictures of sufficient diagnostic accuracy so that no pathology was missed and minor procedures could be performed.