laparoscopic diagnostic applications

Last reviewed 01/2018

Laparoscopy for the purpose of diagnosis was first envisaged in 1923, but it has only recently become established.

Important uses include:

  • malignant disease diagnosis and staging
  • investigating the cause of pyrexia of unknown origin
  • investigating acute abdominal pain
  • assessment of the need for laparotomy after blunt or penetrating trauma