Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Publication Date: April 1, 2010
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Technique

Many studies have documented the feasibility of the procedure. (, )
(levels II, III)
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Diagnostic Accuracy of the Procedure

The diagnostic accuracy of the procedure is high, ranging between 90 and 100% in the published series. (, )
The main limitation of the procedure is for the evaluation of retroperitoneal structures with the few false negative reported findings attributed to retroperitoneal processes like pancreatitis.
(level II, III)
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Nevertheless, the procedure appears to have excellent accuracy when evaluating for two of the most prevalent diseases in this population, acalculous cholecystitis and ischemic bowel. (, )
(level II, III)
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The procedure has been reported to prevent unnecessary laparotomies in 36-95% of patients. (Level III)
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Diagnostic laparoscopy has been compared with diagnostic peritoneal lavage and found to have superior diagnostic accuracy in critically ill patients. (Level II)
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It has also been found to be superior to computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound of the abdomen. (Level III)
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Recommendations

Diagnostic laparoscopy is technically feasible and can be applied safely in appropriated selected ICU patients. (, B)
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Overview

Title

Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Authoring Organization

Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons