[Peritoneal lavage in the diagnosis of blunt injuries of hollow intra-abdominal organs].

In some cases of blunt abdominal trauma lesions of gastrointestinal tract are occasionally found. The difficulty with these injuries lies in establishing the diagnosis. Clinical examination alone does not reliable evidence, particularly if the patient is unconscious and therefore unable to respond subjectively. Although abdominal sonography ist becoming increasingly important in the diagnosis of blunt abdominal trauma lesions of the gastrointestinal tract frequently remain undetected or are diagnosed to late where this method of examination is used exclusively. In the retrospective analysis of our patients we have encountered serious complications such as peritonitis and even cases resulting in death. On the other hand when peritoneal lavage was employed, no false negative results occurred. Consequently the value of this method in the diagnosis of blunt abdominal trauma and possible lesions of the gastrointestinal tract is indisputable.