The utility of diagnostic laparoscopy for abdominal disorders. Audit of 120 patients
D. W. Easter, A. Cuschieri, L. K. Nathanson and M. Lavelle-Jones
Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego Medical Center 92103-9981.
We audited our recent experience with diagnostic laparoscopy performed over
a 30-month period on 131 consecutive patients. Laparoscopy was 100%
accurate in the diagnosis or exclusion of intra-abdominal malignant
neoplasms, and future care decisions were affected by this information.
Laparoscopy in the evaluation of chronic abdominal pain yielded positive
findings in 47% of cases. The majority of referrals (73%) for the
investigation of chronic abdominal pain came from the medical services,
whereas the majority of referrals (72%) for the investigation of cancer
originated from surgeons. Laparoscopy in the setting of acute abdominal
pain yielded useful information that affected patient outcomes in 71% of
cases. There were no serious complications in this series. Laparoscopy is a
safe and useful diagnostic tool, especially for the diagnosis, staging, or
exclusion of cancer.
