A modified Seldinger technique for peritoneal lavage in trauma patients who are obese.

We have devised a technique of peritoneal lavage that combines the semi-open and the Seldinger techniques for use in trauma patients who are morbidly obese that is fast, safe and obviates the extensive incision that is required to adequately visualize the peritoneum when using the open method. We have successfully used this technique in six patients whose weight exceeded the weight limit of 135 kilograms of our CT scanner.