title: Diagnostic laparoscopy.
abstract: Laparoscopy is a unique procedure which can be used in diagnostic or therapeutic situations involving intra-abdominal pathology. Until recently, open laparotomy has been the preferred method for such evaluations. The following cases indicate the increased sensitivity, specificity, safety, and cost effectiveness of laparoscopy in diagnostic situations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Lankenau Hospital and Medical Research Center, Wynnewood, PA.
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Sessions
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: vonRueden
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Uribe
mesh_terms: D000008:Abdominal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001201:Ascites / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity