Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
peritoneal lavage
Irrigation of the peritoneal cavity with saline solution for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Full Definition
A medical procedure involving the instillation and drainage of sterile saline solution into the peritoneal cavity. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) is used to detect intra-abdominal bleeding or contamination in trauma patients. Therapeutic lavage may be performed during surgery to remove blood, debris, or infected material, particularly in cases of perforation or abscess. The technique involves placing a catheter or using direct irrigation during open surgery. Analysis of lavage fluid can provide information about bleeding, infection, or bowel injury.
Usage
Usage note: DPL commonly abbreviated in emergency settings; spell out in formal reports.
In Context
- "Copious peritoneal lavage was performed to remove all contaminated fluid." — Operative report
- "Diagnostic peritoneal lavage revealed grossly bloody return suggesting hemoperitoneum." — Emergency procedure note
Also known as
peritoneal irrigation
abdominal lavage
Don't confuse with
peritoneal dialysis
abdominal washout