Culdoscope

The viewing tube (endoscope) introduced through the end of the vagina into the cul-de-sac.

The cul-de-sac is also called the rectouterine pouch (the pouch of Douglas), an extension of the peritoneal cavity between the rectum and back wall of the uterus.

This procedure is termed culdoscopy.

The word 'culdoscope' (and 'culdoscopy') is derived from 'cul-de-sac' which is a blind pouch or cavity that is closed at one end and, in a more specific sense, refers to the rectouterine pouch.

In French, 'cul-de-sac' literally is 'bottom of (a) sack.' As early as the 13th century, a cul-de-sac was a dead-end street (or a dead-end way), a blind alley.