[Ultrasonic laparoscopy in digestive diseases].

Laparoscopic ultrasound combines the advantage of diagnostic laparoscopy with intraoperative ultrasonography. This new technique allows visualisation of deep structures that are not palpable. The technical aspects and the application in abdominal surgery are described. The principal indications are detection of common bile duct stones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and staging of abdominal cancers. The information provided by laparoscopic ultrasound influences therapeutic decisions.