title: Critical analysis of open peritoneal lavage in blunt abdominal trauma.
abstract: Using the generally accepted paracentesis and lavage criteria for laparotomy for patients with blunt abdominal trauma, we found an accuracy rate of 97 percent but a nontherapeutic laparotomy rate of 27 percent. The 17 percent true false-positive rate of paracentesis and lavage is much higher than has been previously appreciated.
mesh_terms: D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000473:pathology*; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D011677:Punctures; D013396:Suction; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery