Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
peritoneal lavage
Diagnostic procedure involving irrigation of the peritoneal cavity to detect internal bleeding.
Full Definition
Peritoneal lavage, also known as diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL), is a procedure where sterile saline is instilled into the peritoneal cavity through a small incision or catheter and then aspirated to check for blood or other evidence of intra-abdominal injury. The procedure was historically used in trauma evaluation before the widespread adoption of CT imaging and FAST examinations. It remains useful in certain clinical situations where other diagnostic modalities are unavailable or contraindicated.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as DPL in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "Peritoneal lavage revealed grossly bloody aspirate consistent with hemoperitoneum." — Diagnostic procedure report
- "The surgeon opted for peritoneal lavage when CT scan was contraindicated." — Clinical decision documentation
Also known as
diagnostic peritoneal lavage
DPL
Don't confuse with
peritoneal dialysis