title: The use of laparoscopy in retroperitoneal pathology.
abstract: Laparoscopy is usually not performed for retroperitoneal disease. However, if the retroperitoneal process is palpable or displaces viscera, laparoscopy may allow visualization and directed biopsy. In a personal series of 316 laparoscopies reviewed retrospectively, 19 (6%) were performed primarily for retroperitoneal pathology. All patients had CT scans documenting a retroperitoneal process. A confirmed histologic diagnosis was obtained on directed laparoscopic biopsy in 16 patients, including 9 non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. There was no mortality or morbidity in this series. Laparoscopy is a useful modality in selected patients with retroperitoneal diseases, and its use should be considered when a histologic diagnosis is necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York, New York.
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Salky
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Bauer
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Gelernt
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kreel
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012186:Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space