Transvaginal tube as an aid to laparoscopic surgery

摘要

A transvaginal tube adapted for insertion into the vaginal tract of a patient for use during performance of a laparoscopic hysterectomy or other laparoscopic surgery on the patient. The tube has a diameter greater than the patient's cervix opening and has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end is cut in a plane non-normal to its tubular axis being adapted to define the patient's cervico-vaginal junction. The tube further includes a sealing structure capable of forming a seal at the distal end of the tube during the surgery. The tube is capable of maintaining the pneumoperitoneum when inserted into the vaginal tract of the patient with the seal formed at the distal end of the tube.