[Laparoscopic biopsy of non-digestive intra-abdominal masses].
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.
Ortega
María Rodríguez
MR
Servicio de Cirugía General y Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Madrid, España.
de Adana
Juan Carlos Ruiz
JC
Millán
Miguel Angel Delgado
MA
Matías
Alberto Hernández
AH
Herrero
Julio López
JL
García
Agustín Bertomeu
AB
Marirrodriga
Ignacio García
IG
Esteban
Manuel Limones
ML
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