Diagnostic laparoscopy.

Since the early part of the 20th century, diagnostic laparoscopy has become an important tool in the armamentarium of surgeons and gastroenterologists alike. Its indications have expanded from initial attempts at tamponading internal hemorrhage to avoidance of unnecessary laparotomies with accurate staging of malignancies, treatment of a multitude of intra-abdominal pathologies, and even as a resource for evaluating blunt abdominal trauma and chronic abdominal pain. Its accuracy has been demonstrated in the evaluation of chronic liver diseases, in comparison with other diagnostic modalities. Many further technical advances have been introduced in recent years. Gastroenterology training programs should include formal diagnostic laparoscopy training as part of their curriculum.