Laparoscopy with a diagnostic aim in abdominal emergencies]

In acute abdominal syndromes when a surgical exploration is required by the presence of peritoneal symptoms, laparoscopy allows to recognize the lesions and to perform simultaneously the appropriate treatment in most cases. When the surgical indication is doubtful, mainly in case of acute appendicitis, sonography or scanography may confirm the diagnosis. In case of persisting doubt, diagnostic laparoscopy is justified and laparoscopic appendicectomy seems to be the best method when another pathology is not detected by laparoscopy. In abdominal wounds, laparoscopy is useful to confirm their intraperitoneal penetration, mainly in gunshot wounds, and to recognize a diaphragmatic wound which is often isolated and unknown. Laparoscopy often fails to detect all abdominal injuries. In blunt abdominal traumas, laparoscopy is not recommended at the first step. In conclusion, laparoscopy with diagnostic intent only is rarely indicated in abdominal emergencies and its use is not worth being extended. Diagnostic value of laparoscopy is closely linked to its therapeutic interest. Laparoscopy with both diagnostic and therapeutic intent has to be developed in most abdominal emergencies.