title: The laparoscopic evaluation of ascites.
abstract: Laparoscopy is an invaluable technique for the evaluation of ascites in subgroups of patients with ascites. Indications for laparoscopic examination include determination of the causes of ascites when routine tests fail to disclose the source, evaluation for the presence of multiple causes of ascites formation, or histopathologic verification of malignancy within the peritoneal cavity. Several reported series have illustrated the efficacy of laparoscopy for the diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis, tuberculous peritonitis, or unsuspected cirrhosis, securing its role in the management of selected patients with ascites.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Inadomi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kapur
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kinkhabwala
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Cello
mesh_terms: D001201:Ascites / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D001202:Ascitic Fluid; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D019152:Paracentesis; D010534:Peritoneal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D014395:Peritonitis, Tuberculous / Q000175:diagnosis; D011028:Pneumoperitoneum, Artificial