LAPAROSCOPY IN TRAUMA

Laparoscopy recently has been applied to the evaluation of patients wi th suspected abdominal injuries, and it may have a therapeutic and dia gnostic role in carefully selected patients. It can be performed in th e emergency department or in the operating suite, although the latter setting is preferable for optimal patient comfort and enhanced visuali zation of the peritoneal cavity. Laparoscopy will not supplant periton eal lavage, computed tomography of the abdomen, or other established d iagnostic techniques for intra-abdominal injury. Its role in trauma ca re is not yet completely defined, and although it has the potential to reduce the unnecessary celiotomy rate in trauma, it could result in a n absolute increase in the number of unnecessary operations if used in appropriately.