Detection of intra-abdominal injury using diagnostic peritoneal lavage after shotgun wound to the abdomen

Background: The utility of diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) as a diagnostic tool specifically for shotgun wound to the abdomen (SGWA) is unknown. This prospective study was undertaken to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of DPL for the detection of intra-abdominal injuries following SGWA. Methods. DPL was performed on all patients sustaining SGWA who lacked a clear indication for laparotomy. Patients exceeding 10,000 red blood cells (RBC)/mm(3) were taken for exploratory laparotomy. A prospective database was kept with information on wound location, DPL result, findings upon laparotomy and outcome. Results. Thirty-two DPLs were performed at our urban Level I trauma center for SGWA. Of these, 8 patients had a positive DPL. Upon laparotomy, 7 patients were found to have intra-abdominal injuries, 6 of which required surgical intervention. One patient had no peritoneal penetration or intra-abdominal injury. Of the 24 patients that had a negative DPL, 1 subsequently developed indications for laparotomy and was found to have operative injuries. For predicting intra-abdominal injuries DPL has a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 87.5%, 95.8% and 93.8%, respectively. Conclusion. For patients presenting with SGWA who do not present with indications for immediate laparotomy, DPL is a reliable indicator of intra-abdominal injury and need for operative intervention.