What is the pelvic cul-de-sac?

What is the pelvic cul-de-sac?

Also known as the cul-de-sac, the pouch of Douglas exists between the uterus and the rectum, and it is the most dependent area of the pelvis, where fluids pool. Physiologic and pathologic cul-de-sac fluid takes many forms.

What is a normal amount of fluid in cul-de-sac?

A definitive clinical threshold for a normal amount of fluid does not exist; research published in the Archives of Perinatal Medicine suggests 1 to 3 ml, or 4 to 5 ml during ovulation.

How do I get rid of free fluid in my pelvis?

The process of removing the fluid is called paracentesis, and it is performed with a long, thin needle. A sample of the fluid will be sent to the lab for testing to determine the cause. The excess fluid can be caused by cancer, cirrhosis, infection, inflammation, injury, or other conditions.

What causes trace free fluid in the pelvis?

The identifiable traumatic causes of pelvic free fluid included one or more of the following: splenic injury (23 cases) (Fig 3), liver injury (17 cases) (Fig 3), pelvic fracture (11 cases), bowel injury (11 cases), mesentery hematoma (seven cases), pancreas injury (three cases), bladder injury (three cases), and …

What does free fluid in the pelvis indicate?

Sonography commonly detects free intraperitoneal fluid within the posterior cul- de-sac. Although nonspecific, this finding may suggest significant underlying pelvic pathology such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, or a ruptured ovarian cyst [1-4].

Does free fluid in pelvis mean pregnancy?

After blunt abdominal trauma, the presence of free fluid in the pelvis of a pregnant patient may not be physiologic, especially if there is >2 mm to 4 mm, and there is no history of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or other known associations.

What does trace free fluid in cul-de-sac mean?

A small amount of fluid in the cul-de-sac is normal. But if the sample shows signs of pus or blood, the area may need to be drained. Blood in the fluid could mean a cyst has ruptured or there is a tear. It could also be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

What is free fluid in the cul-de-sac mean?

What does fluid on the pelvis mean?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of one or more of the upper reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Untreated PID can cause scar tissue and pockets of infected fluid (abscesses) to develop in the reproductive tract, which can cause permanent damage.