Diagnostic peritoneal lavage for blunt trauma in pregnant women

Twelve pregnant women underwent diagnostic peritoneal lavage for suspected blunt abdominal trauma. Peritoneal lavage was both safe and accurate. The lavage was negative in four patients. Two of these patients survived without clinical evidence of abdominal injuries. The absence of abdominal injuries was confirmed at autopsy in the two patients who subsequently died. Peritoneal lavage was positive for hemoperitoneum in eight patients. All eight had significant abdominal injuries.