[Report on 700 gynaecologic cases in diagnostic laparoscopy (author's transl)]

The clinical experience in diagnostic laparoscopy is dealt with under the conditions of the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at Erlangen University. Among 700 cases the indications were infertility (34,4%), pelvic pain 27,4%), suspected ectopic pregnancy (7,9%), endocrinologic cases and malformations (18,9%), pelvic mass without symptoms (8,6%) and others (2,8%). The laparoscopic findings are shown. Important diagnostic clues otherwise missed were found in about half of the patients. In 122 women a laparotomy could be disregarded. One should be aware of diagnostic errors especially in ovarian tumors. Biopsy may help in assessment of ovarian function. In tumor diagnosis, however, it is rather dangerous. Difficulties of the methos (2,9%) and complications (1%) are discussed.