ABSTRACT
Acknowledgment 87
References 87
1. INTRODUCTION
Multiple diagnostic modalities exist to ensure the prompt and accurate assessment of the
injured patient. In abdominal trauma, these include physical examination, computed tom-
ography (CT), ultrasound, and diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL). The use and sequence
of these methods depend on the patient’s hemodynamic status, the mechanism of injury
(blunt or penetrating), and the potential for significant associated injuries. Although
each modality has added to the quality of care in trauma patients, the incidence of negative
and nontherapeutic laparotomies continues to range between 11 and 34% (1,2). Minimal
access surgery (MAS) may lead to prompt diagnosis and therapy, thus decreasing the inci-
dence of unnecessary laparotomies, length of hospital stay, overall costs, and unnecessary
morbidity to the patient.
