Peritoneal Lavage in Penetrating Thoracic Trauma

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Patients (51) with penetrating wounds of the thorax at or below the 4th intercostal space were evaluated with peritoneal aspiration and lavage. Gunshot wounds (19) and 32 stab wounds were studied and there was a 22% incidence of diaphragmatic penetration and/or intra-abdominal injury. There were 10 true positive and 1 false positive study. There were 39 true negative and 1 false negative lavage. Peritoneal aspiration and lavage is a test of high sensitivity (91%) and specificity (98%). It is a useful screening technique in patients with penetrating wounds of the thorax. Peritoneal aspiration and lavage identify patients with diaphragmatic penetration and intra-abdominal injury and minimize negative exploration.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: