[Benefits and limitations of peritoneal lavage in abdominal contusions (author's transl)]

Peritoneal lavage is a simple and useful method for the detection of visceral damage. It decreases the number of late diagnoses and deaths in closed traumas without overt symptoms, in multiple injuries and unexplained collapses, in alcoholic patients, or when transportation or anaesthesia are required. The results proved reliable in 91.8 p. cent of 378 cases of peritoneal lavage. The incidence of false positive results (mainly due to retroperitoneal haematoma) was 7.4 p. cent, and the risk of false negative results was estimated at 0.8 p. cent. The precautions required are recalled, and the problem of minimal intraperitoneal lesions is discussed. All patients with negative or doubtful results must be kept under close clinical surveillance.