PERITONEAL-LAVAGE IN BLUNT ABDOMINAL-TRAUMA

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 152  (3) , 327-330
Abstract
A prospective study of an Intracath method of diagnostic peritoneal lavage was done of 100 patients with blunt abdominal trauma. Initial results in dogs confirmed the reliability and sensitivity of the technique. In patients, it was 96% accurate. Patients (58) had true-positive results, and in 52 of these, subsequent laparotomy demonstrated significant hemoperitoneum and intra-abdominal injury. Six patients had intra-abdominal injuries of limited significance. Of these patients, 38 were considered to have true-negative results. In 1 patient, false-negative, signs of intra-abdominal bleeding later developed, and a splenectomy was performed without incidence. There were 3 false-positive results. These patients underwent laparotomy and recovered without a problem. The only complications noted were puncture of the urinary bladder in 1 patient and s.c. infusion of lavage fluid in 2 patients which were recognized during the procedure. The safety and reliability of the Intracath method of peritoneal lavage for patients with blunt abdominal trauma is demonstrated.