TITLE:
Is the Laparoscope Only Meant for the Abdomen?—A Case Report Utilizing Laparoscopy to Evaluate a Thigh Abscess Cavity
AUTHORS:
Emily R. Kindall, Wade M. Wright, Peter P. Zajac, Courtney M. Janowski, David L. Young, Luis G. Fernandez, Marc R. Matthews
KEYWORDS:
Laparoscope, Laparoscopy, Thigh, Abscess, Abscess Cavity, Negative Wound Therapy, Instillation Therapy, Hypochlorous Acid
JOURNAL NAME:
Surgical Science,
Vol.16 No.5,
May
28,
2025
ABSTRACT: Minimally invasive surgery and the use of endoscopy have been evolving for over 225 years. Traditionally used for general surgery procedures in the abdomen, the role of the laparoscope is now commonly used in not only the abdomen but also the retroperitoneum, chest, urinary tract, joints, pelvis, and even in the gravid uterus. It is the predominant route for surgical exploration and intervention, whether for malignant or benign diseases. As minimally invasive surgery continues to expand, novel uses of the laparoscope are devised, demonstrating that the laparoscope can be used anywhere in the body. Presented is a 42-year-old female with a large, soft-tissue thigh abscess, which, once drained, required the placement of a trocar and laparoscope to evaluate the remaining large cavity for possible retained necrosis or purulence. Simple visual inspection with retraction did not provide adequate visualization without requiring a large counter incision in a metabolically challenged patient. This case presentation highlights the versatility of endoscopy and the laparoscope instrument.