Abstract

PIP: Hysteroscopy and laparoscopy differ in that in the former the uterine cavity is insufflated with gas or liquid to allow telescopic inspection whereas in the latter the peritoneal cavity is insufflated. Opening of the bowel by diathermy as performed by some physicians is not usually a part of laparoscopic sterilization although it may occur as a complication. In cases where diathermy of the bowel is part of an elect ive procedure nitrous oxide is generally used. For those performing tubal diathermy there is a choice of using carbon dioxide with a risk of cardiovascular collapse nitrous oxide with a theorectical risk of intraperitoneal explosion. Unfortunately, currently available data are insufficient to quantify these 2 risks.