[Laparoscopy in diagnosis and therapy of advanced abdominal malignancies].

Fifty-seven patients with abdominal and retroperitoneal malignancies were examined by laparoscopy mainly to establish operability (n = 29), to gain histology (n = 20), or to carry out laparoscopic (assisted) palliative procedures. Early explorative laparoscopy is recommended if large tumours, ascites or metastases are suspected because of the high sensitivity in confirming inoperability.