Laparoscopy in trauma

Laparoscopy recently has been applied to the evaluation of patients with suspected abdominal injuries, and it may have a therapeutic and diagnostic role in carefully selected patients. It can be performed in the emergency department or in the operating suite, although the latter setting is preferable for optimal patient comfort and enhanced visualization of the peritoneal cavity. Laparoscopy will not supplant peritoneal lavage, computed tomography of the abdomen, or other established diagnostic techniques for intra-abdominal injury. Its role in trauma care is not yet completely defined, and although it has the potential to reduce the unnecessary celiotomy rate in trauma, it could result in an absolute increase in the number of unnecessary operations if used inappropriately.