The Role of Laparoscopy in the Evaluation of Abdominal Trauma

The evaluation of patients sustaining abdominal trauma remains one of the most challenging tasks for the general surgeon. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage and computerized tomography are well-established studies, each with its own indications, advantages, and disadvantages. Ultrasonography has been widely used in Europe and has only recently gained popularity in the United States. With the recent explosion of laparoscopic techniques in general surgery, it was only natural that its application in the evaluation and perhaps even treatment of the injured patient would be forthcoming. The definitive role of both ultrasonography and diagnostic laparoscopy in the evaluation of abdominal injury has yet to be determined. This review looks at the role of these various diagnostic procedures in the evaluation of both penetrating and blunt abdominal trauma.