Diagnostic laparoscopy is a powerful tool in the surgeon's armamentarium when used appropriately. There is a low complication rate and high diagnostic sensitivity. In addition to conventional operating room procedures, this technique can be applied in a variety of other settings, often without general anesthesia. Many patients can be spared invasive nontherapeutic laparotomies particularly in the area of trauma and cancer diagnosis. The surgeon must become a superior visual anatomist in order to be able to take maximum advantage of this technique. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
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