Thoracoabdominal trauma. Videolaparoscopic approach

The blunt or penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma can result in intraabdomin al, intrathoracic and diaphragmatic lesions. These last ones often are not diagnosed. Thus, there are many patients with surgical indication that are not operate d or get a late indication. On the other hand, there are many nontherapeuti c laparotomies and thoracotomies. Six cases of thoracoabdominal trauma that were submitted to laparoscopy are analyzed. The videolaparoscopy in stable patients worked as excellent diagnostic and therapeutic method of intra-ab dominal and diaphragmatic lesions. When there is a diaphragmatic rupture it also worked as a good diagnostic and potentially therapeutic method of tho racic lesions.