Peritoneal lavage as a diagnostic procedure for intra-abdominal trauma.

Peritoneal lavage is an established emergency diagnostic tool in cases of suspected damage inside the abdomen due to blunt and occasionally penetrating abdominal trauma. This is a relatively safe procedure which is often useful in recognizing intra-abdominal bleeding requiring surgical exploration. The procedure requires careful patient selection and technique, together with awareness of the limitations of the procedure and the ability to interpret the returns of peritoneal lavage.