[Value of celioscopy in non-traumatic acute abdomen]

The diagnostic and therapeutic value of laparoscopy in emergency was studied in 314 patients presenting with non-traumatic acute abdomen. Laparoscopy gave a correct and complete diagnosis of the underlying disease in 92% (290/314) of cases. An erroneous preoperative diagnosis was corrected by laparoscopy in 18% (58/314) of cases. This implied a change of the therapeutic strategy in 9% (27/314). Seventy five per cent (234/314) of patients were exclusively treated by laparoscopy, 22% (68/314) by laparotomy and 3% (11/314) by laparoscopically assisted surgery. Mortality was 2.5% (8/314) and morbidity 9% (29/314). In conclusion, laparoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool for the surgeon in the context of acute abdomen and is an interesting therapeutic alternative in selected cases. However, it requires extensive experience in laparoscopic techniques.