Pouch Of Douglas

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pouch of douglas - rectouterine pouch

Page Contents

Pouch of Douglas: The Facts

The term was derived and named after Scottish anatomist, James Douglas, who conducted studies regarding the female body. Among its other terms include rectouterine pouch, rectouterine excavation, Ehrhardt-Cole recess, cul-de-sac, and cavum Douglasi. [1]

It’s Location

The Pouch of Douglas is an area of the peritoneal cavity located between the rectum and the uterus’ posterior wall. It is a long and narrow structure located at the lower portion of the peritoneal cavity. Being open at its superior end and closed at its inferior, it functions in draining the fluids from the cavity. [1, 2]

What’s Inside the Pouch? : Physiologic and Pathologic States of the Pouch of Douglas

Being located in the farthest location of the abdominopelvic cavity among women, the Pouch of Douglas is at risk for accumulation of pus and fluids. It has inclinations for spread of tumor, ascites, and endometriosis. Thus, one should be able to know and delineate if the findings seen at the retrouterine pouch is of physiologic or pathologic importance. [3, 4]

Fluid in the Pouch of Douglas

Presence of minimal fluid within the retrouterine pouch does not have much of a significance. During a normal menstrual cycle, a small volume of fluid may be found collected within the pouch. This fluid dissipates spontaneously, and is of normal physiology. [5]

pouch of douglas - rectouterine pouch

An illustration showing the pouch of douglas and its location in the pelvic cavity.

Source: www.academic.amc.edu

Fluids beyond normal range and of higher volume may indicate the following pathologic conditions:

  • Ruptured Ovarian Cyst

Fluid contained in the cul de sac may have originated from a ruptured ovarian cyst. There may have been an ovarian cyst, a small fluid filled sac, present inside the pouch. This cyst may have eventually ruptured, causing the fluid accumulation within the cul de sac. It is commonly associated with sudden abdominal pain and heavy menstrual flow, and may require surgery for removal. [6,7]

  • Peritonitis

This is caused by intra-abdominal abscess or a collection of pus resulting to inflammation of the peritoneum. The manifestation of which includes abdominal tenderness, worse when touched or moved. It may have evolved spontaneously from a bacterial infection (Primary peritonitis), from a perforation within the abdomen (Secondary Peritonitis), or caused by a recurring infection (Tertiary Peritonitis). [8]

  • Pelvic Abscess

Seen as a soft, bulged swelling of the Pouch of Douglas, pelvic abscess is usually caused by pelvic inflammatory diseases. In this condition, pus accumulation is seen originating from the previous genital tract infection. This is usually managed by antibiotics and drainage. [9]

  • Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition wherein the endometrial tissue normally within the uterus is inadvertedly found amongst organs and areas outside of the uterus. When found along the Pouch of Douglas, this condition is characterized by dyspareunia, pain experienced during sexual intercourse. [10]

Severe cases of endometriosis are presented with an obliteration of the Pouch of Douglas, along with classic findings of chocolate cysts upon laparoscopy. Other manifestations of which include dysmenorrheal, pelvic pain, and heavy menstrual blood flow. [11]

Treatment modalities of this condition may range from the use of hormones, progesterones and oral contraceptive pills, to operative procedures, such as hysterectomy, if there is persistence of heavy and painful periods of menstruation. [10, 11, 12]

endometriosis

An image showing endometriosis, with endometrial tissues found outside the uterus.

Source: www.abc.net.au

Diagnostic and Treatment Modalities Involving the Pouch of Douglas

Procedures, both for assessing and managing certain conditions, may involve the Pouch of Douglas.

Culdoscopy

This is a method by which an endoscope is inserted through the vagina and placed in the Pouch of Douglas to further internally examine the pelvic cavity. It is usually done prior to fluid drainage. [2]

culdoscope

An image showing the culdoscopy procedure.

Source: www.dermatologic.com.ar

Peritoneal Dialysis

Used to manage kidney failure, peritoneal dialysis is done by inserting a catheter into the Pouch of Douglas. In this procedure, the peritoneal cavity is infused with the dialysate solution. The catheter placed within the cul de sac serves as a port to bring in the dialysate fluid and a conduit for drainage. [2,4]

peritoneal dialysis pouch of douglas

An image depicting the role of Pouch of Douglas in performing peritoneal dialysis.

Source: www.meducation.net

Pouch of Douglas: More than Just a Pelvic Pouch

The Pouch of Douglas, may be a pelvic organ, with its location at the pelvic region, and its function related to that of the other organs of the pelvis, but, it also has relations to the digestive and even renal systems. It can be associated with intra abdominal abscess and peritonitis, and may even be helpful in managing kidney failure thru its involvement in peritoneal dialysis. Hence, it is more than just a pelvic pouch, more than just a sac for collecting fluid in the pelvis.

FAQ:  What is the meaning of pouch of douglas in hindi?

A: dagalas kee thailee

References:

  1. http://www.en.wikipedia.org
  2. http://www.wisegeek.org
  3. Drake, R. et al. (2010) Gray’s Anatomy for Students. Churchill Livingstone. P 460.
  4. http://www.reference.com
  5. http://www.ask.com
  6. http://www.answers.yahoo.com
  7. http://www.healthtap.com
  8. http://www.emedicine.medscape.com
  9. http://www.meb.uni-bonn.de
  10. http://www.netdoctor.uk
  11. http://www.gynaecologyclinic.com
  12. http://www.drfeelgood.com.au

10 COMMENTS

    • Naturally speaking, you can give the body what it needs to dissolve the cyst cluster or mass. Castor oil is said to be one of the best natural remedies for this and you just apply it as a castor oil pack. Always speak with your doctor to be sure about anything though. Diet wise you can bring in B vitamin rich supplements like wheatgerm oil, fish oil, and raspberry leaf extract while avoiding things like soy.

  1. I had a cyst and was scheduled to have it removed, I stopped eating sugar and ate very healthy food for a year, I also used castor oil pack on the cyst, when I went in for surgery 4 months later and still in pain, the cyst disappeared, the pain was caused by endometriosis.

  2. I Am 9 month pregnant and am having pains at my right adnexa, so i went for a scan and this is the result: noted adnexa is a cystic mass of about 75mm x 68mm in diameter. left adnexa is free, no myoma is seen, pouch of douglas is empty. impression: a viable singleton coexisting with right corpus luteum cyst, what is the treatment for these?

  3. Comment: I have been having pain in my right inguinal region for years and scans taken show no defect. the current scan I took 2years ago shown fluid accumulation in the pouch of Douglas. I was given antibiotics but sometimes I still feel the pain. please what should I do?

  4. Comment:I have irregular bleeding for 1year and half. my shown fluid collection in the pouch of Douglas. I was given anti-biotic but no improvement. plz what should I do?

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