peritoneal lavage
Diagnostic procedure involving instillation and drainage of saline into the peritoneal cavity to detect internal bleeding.
Full Definition
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) is a minimally invasive procedure used to evaluate patients with blunt abdominal trauma when other diagnostic modalities are unavailable or contraindicated. The technique involves inserting a catheter into the peritoneal cavity, instilling sterile saline, and then draining the fluid to analyze for blood, enteric contents, or other signs of organ injury. While largely superseded by CT imaging and FAST examination, DPL remains valuable in specific clinical scenarios, particularly in unstable patients who cannot undergo imaging studies.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as DPL; distinguish from therapeutic peritoneal procedures
In Context
- "Peritoneal lavage returned grossly bloody fluid, indicating significant intra-abdominal hemorrhage." — Emergency procedure documentation
- "DPL was performed given the patient's hemodynamic instability precluding CT imaging." — Trauma surgery consultation