Diagnostic peritoneal lavage through an abdominal stab wound

Abstract

Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) is one of the most useful tools in the diagnosis of intraperitoneal injuries secondary to stab wounds. The lavage catheter is inserted into the peritoneal cavity through a surgical incision or a blind puncture. Complications related to the catheter insertion were previously reported in both techniques. We describe 2 cases in which the lavage catheter was inserted through the stab wound itself after local wound exploration clearly demonstrated violation of the peritoneum. We suggest that in anterior abdominal stab wounds, the DPL can be safely and effectively performed through the stab wound if penetration to the peritoneum is diagnosed.