Peritoneal lavage in Children with blunt Abdominal Trauma

Abstract

Summary: Quantitative peritoneal lavage was performed in 18 children with blunt abdominal trauma to determine the presence of intra-abdominal injuries. A strongly positive lavage was 100 per cent accurate in the diagnosis of an intra-abdominal injury requiring surgical operation. A negative lavage demonstrated absence of a significant intra-peritoneal injury with 100 per cent accuracy. A weakly positive lavage was not diagnostic and required additional evaluation, including intravenous pyelography and arteriography. Peritoneal lavage was found to be safe and much more accurate than physical examination in diag nosing significant intra-abdominal injury.