Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
peritoneal washing
Diagnostic and therapeutic irrigation of the peritoneal cavity during laparoscopic surgery.
Full Definition
A procedure involving the instillation and aspiration of sterile saline solution into the peritoneal cavity for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Diagnostic washings collect cells for cytological examination to detect malignancy or infection. Therapeutic washing helps remove blood, debris, or infectious material from the peritoneal space. The technique requires careful fluid management and complete aspiration to prevent post-operative complications from retained irrigant.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish between diagnostic washings (for cytology) and therapeutic irrigation.
In Context
- "Peritoneal washing was performed to collect cells for cytologic analysis." — operative report
- "Copious irrigation and washing removed all blood clots from the pelvis." — surgical procedure note
Also known as
peritoneal irrigation
peritoneal lavage
abdominal washing
Contrasted with
dry technique
peritoneal aspiration only
Don't confuse with
ascites drainage
diagnostic aspiration