[Closed abdominal injuries: importance and results of peritoneal puncture-lavage]

In a series of 138 closed abdominal trauma, observed during the past 10 years, the authors report their experience of the peritoneal lavage with a Diacath: the method is 97.8% accurate in determining the presence or absence of abdominal injuries. The abdominal signs and symptoms, with an accuracy of 58.7% are hardly contributive, especially in cases of multiple trauma and patients with altered state of consciousness. The peritoneal lavage, as long as the technique and the contra-indications are respected, is an easy, safe and reliable test for the detection of abdominal damage. Positive diagnostic peritoneal lavage allows an earlier diagnosis and operation, and reduces the mortality for intra-abdominal injuries by eliminating deaths from undiagnosed intra-abdominal lesions. If negative, it avoids unnecessary laparotomies, especially in cases of multiple trauma.