A comparison of diagnostic peritoneal lavage and computed tomography (CT scan) in evaluation of the hemodynamically stable patient with blunt abdominal trauma.

The diagnosis of intraabdominal injury in the patient who is victim of blunt trauma is often problematic. Currently, two procedures, diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) and computed tomography (CT scan) are used to evaluate patients with possible intraabdominal injuries after blunt trauma. Controversy exists as to which of these modalities is more efficacious in this setting. There are advantages and disadvantages of both procedures, however, present evidence suggests that the clinician should not rely on the results of the CT scan. The DPL, on the other hand is a sensitive and specific modality in evaluating the patient with blunt abdominal trauma.