Minilaparoscopy for blunt abdominal trauma.

A new technique of minilaparoscopy has been developed for use in patients with blunt abdominal trauma. Fifteen injured patients underwent laparoscopy using this new method. Six patients had normal findings, seven patients had evidence of minor injury, and two patients had what seemed to be major injuries. The patients with normal findings or minor injuries were treated nonoperatively and all did well. The two remaining patients underwent laparotomy where serious injuries were found and repaired accordingly. With this modified instrumentation, emergency laparoscopy is simple and rapid enough to become a practical tool in the management of blunt abdominal trauma.