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Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage

Aka: Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage

Indications
1. See Abdominal Trauma
Contraindications
1. Do not perform peritoneal lavage when exploratory laparoscopy is clearly indicated
  1. Do not delay inevitable definitive evaluation for tests that will not modify management
2. CT Abdomen and Pelvis is preferred in most cases
3. Multiple prior abdominal surgeries
4. Cirrhosis
5. Coagulopathy
6. Morbid Obesity
Interpretation: Positive Test
1. Initial aspirate with gross blood >5 ml
2. Unspun aspirate with >100k RBC or >500 WBC/mm3
3. Aspirated lavage fluid with enteric contents (feces, bile, food)
4. Lavage fluid exits the Foley Catheter or Chest Tube

Family Practice Notebook

Patients should address specific medical concerns with their physicians.

Although access to this page is not restricted, the information found here is intended for use by medical providers.

This page was written by Scott Moses, MD, last revised on 1/7/2012 and last published on 5/10/2012.

This is one of 5737 pages in the Family Practice Notebook