A prospective randomized study evaluating periumbilical versus infraumbilical peritoneal lavage: a preliminary...

Peritoneal lavage has been proved to be a fairly safe and reliable diagnostic tool in evaluating blunt abdominal trauma. However, the operation is not always a simple procedure. In an attempt to determine the ease and reliability of the procedure, the authors conducted a combined hospital approach, prospectively randomizing the performance of periumbilical and infraumbilical approaches to the peritoneal lavage. To date, 53 lavages have been performed. Reliability of the procedures appears to be equal. The greatest differences in the techniques are with regard to the greater efficacy and performer acceptance of the periumbilical approach. The operative approaches are discussed in detail and literature regarding peritoneal lavage is reviewed.