Sexual Health Birth Control Permanent Methods How a Culdoscopy Procedure Works By Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC LinkedIn Twitter Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC, is a published author, college professor, and mental health consultant with over 15 years of counseling experience. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 10, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Anita Sadaty, MD Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Anita Sadaty, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at North Shore University Hospital and founder of Redefining Health Medical. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Culdoscopy is a type of vaginal sterilization procedure (the other type is colpotomy). Also known as transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy, culdoscopy is considered to be minimally invasive surgery. The vaginal method of tubal ligation was once the preferred technique. However, since it is associated with higher risks than laparoscopic tubal ligation surgery, surgeons have been favoring the abdominal approach to transvaginal procedures. Morsa Images / Getty Images Advantages of a Culdoscopy A major advantage of a culdoscopy is that there are no abdominal incisions. Culdoscopy tends to be reserved for obese patients or for women with a retroverted uterus. This transvaginal procedure involves a small incision made into the vaginal wall. Research is showing that this method is safer than originally thought. Yet, a culdoscopy may be difficult to perform because it requires a woman to be in a knee-to-chest position while under local anesthesia. The Procedure During a culdoscopy, an incision is made into the posterior vaginal fornix (the recess behind the cervix). A culdoscope—a type of endoscope with a light, used to visualize female pelvic organs—is inserted through the incision into the peritoneal cavity (the space within the abdomen that contains the intestines, the stomach, and the liver). The culdoscope helps the surgeon to locate the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are pulled through the incision into the vagina. The culdoscope is removed, and the tubes are closed off (tied, clipped, or sealed shut) and put back into place. The incision will then be stitched shut. A culdoscopy takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and women are able to go home the same day. It may take a few days at home to recover. Sexual intercourse is usually postponed until the incision is completely healed, which usually requires several weeks, and there are no visible scars. Editorial Process Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit