Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage: A Procedure Worth Resuscitating
Tran L., Pryor P. Emergency Physicians Monthly. November 18, 2012
"With sensitivities and specificities quoted as high as 87% and 82% in select trauma patients and the highest sensitivity for hollow viscus injury, DPL remains a vital diagnostic tool when used in conjunction with advanced imaging.
Using tools commonly found in the ED and a DPL catheter, this relatively quick and safe procedure allows providers to access and evaluate the peritoneal cavity at the bedside and can be the deciding factor between laparotomy, observation or discharge."