Peritoneal lavage with low morbidity.

Peritoneal lavage has proven to be a useful tool for evaluating abdominal trauma. However, morbidity levels associated with the technique have inhibited its wide acceptance. A technique has been developed that avoids the complications associated with use of a standard dialysis trocar or a mini-laparotomy. The technique uses an 18 gauge needle, a wire guide with soft tip and a number 9 French Teflon catheter. The test can be completed in 20 to 30 minutes and has been done in as little as seven minutes. This technique has been used by 51 different physicians in 132 cases with a single avoidable complication which occurred when one of the contraindications was violated.