Diagnostic laparoscopy: An update

With new technical advances, wider availability, and the recent proliferati on of less invasive surgery the use of diagnostic laparoscopy has expanded far beyond its traditional role in the evaluation of chronic liver disease. Short of open laparotomy; diagnostic laparoscopy is the most accurate moda lity for staging of intra-abdominal malignancies, and is particularly well- suited for patients who otherwise would not require surgical palliation, In addition to avoiding unnecessary laparotomy in this group, diagnostic lapa roscopy has proved valuable in the assessment of abdominal trauma, acute ab domen, and ischemic bowel disease. We briefly review here some of the new d evelopments in the field of diagnostic laparoscopy.