title: [Laparoscopic biopsy of non-digestive intra-abdominal masses].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laparoscopic surgery offers an alternative diagnostic technique in multiple diseases requiring biopsy of non-digestive intra-abdominal masses in which image-guided biopsy cannot be performed. Laparoscopic biopsy aims to reduce the surgical aggression and complications associated with laparotomy and favors the early treatment of malignancies.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a retrospective descriptive study of our results in a series of patients in our hospital with intra-abdominal masses of unknown etiology who underwent laparoscopic surgery between January 2001 and April 2006. None of the patients were candidates for image-guided percutaneous biopsy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We carried out 23 biopsies: 8 retroperitoneal (34.7%), 5 mesenteric (21.7%), 5 hepatic, 4 pelvic, and 1 in the iliac chain, as well as 5 complementary biopsies. In all patients, sufficient material for histologic diagnosis was obtained. The mean operating time was 71 minutes. Length of hospital stay was less than 24 hours in 61% of the patients. The median length of hospital stay was 1.5 days.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The laparoscopic approach allows complete visualization and examination of the entire peritoneal cavity. Laparoscopic biopsy is a safe and effective procedure with excellent patient recovery and allows early definitive treatment.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Cirugía General y Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: María Rodríguez
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Ortega
authors.forename: Juan Carlos Ruiz
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: de Adana
authors.forename: Miguel Angel Delgado
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Millán
authors.forename: Alberto Hernández
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Matías
authors.forename: Julio López
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Herrero
authors.forename: Agustín Bertomeu
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: Ignacio García
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Marirrodriga
authors.forename: Manuel Limones
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Esteban
mesh_terms: D000008:Abdominal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged