Open versus closed diagnostic peritoneal lavage. A multiphasic prospective randomized comparison.
A total of 118 trauma patients were prospectively randomized to receive either open or closed peritoneal lavage. In addition, comparisons were made between using an infraumbilical versus a supraumbilical approach in patients with pelvic fractures. No statistical difference was noted between the open and closed groups, despite the overall accuracy rate of 96.6%. The supraumbilical approach was vastly superior to the infraumbilical approach in patients with pelvic fracture with an accuracy rate of 90.9% versus 57%. In this regard, use of the infraumbilical approach in this setting is to be highly discouraged. Finally, patient body habitus, technique, and physician experience all play a role in the outcome of the lavage.
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003128:Coma / Q000150:complications; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000293:injuries; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods*