DPL
Also written as: DPL — Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage, an invasive procedure to detect intraperitoneal bleeding or contamination in trauma patients when imaging is unavailable or inconclusive.
Full Definition
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) is a surgical diagnostic procedure used primarily in trauma evaluation when CT scanning is unavailable or the patient is too unstable for transport. The procedure involves making a small incision below the umbilicus, inserting a peritoneal dialysis catheter, and infusing normal saline into the peritoneal cavity. The fluid is then drained and analyzed for blood, white blood cells, or other signs of intraperitoneal injury. A positive DPL (grossly bloody return, RBC count >100,000/μL, or WBC count >500/μL) indicates the need for immediate laparotomy. While largely superseded by FAST examination and CT scanning, DPL remains valuable in resource-limited settings or when other modalities are contraindicated.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'DPL' in clinical contexts; spell out 'diagnostic peritoneal lavage' in patient education materials.
In Context
- "With the CT scanner down and persistent hemodynamic instability, the trauma team opted for DPL to rule out intraperitoneal bleeding." — Emergency department consultation note
- "The DPL returned grossly bloody, prompting immediate transfer to the operating room for exploratory laparotomy." — Trauma surgery operative report