Laparoscopy: A valuable adjunct to the abdominal surgeon's armamentarium

Endoscopic examination of the peritoneal cavity is a valuable, informative means of evaluating intraabdominal disease. Laparoscopy performed under local anesthesia with appropriate care is a safe procedure even in elderly or poor risk patients. The present report analyzes 140 consecutive procedures, performed without mortality, with negligible morbidity, and with a success rate of 94 per cent. Eighty per cent of the patients had a significant alteration in their therapeutic management as a direct result of the findings at laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is readily available and can contribute to the gratifying reduction in the cost of medical care by eliminating the need for many other diagnostic studies and by shortening hospital stay. We regard laparoscopy as an effective and important method that should be given wider clinical application by the abdominal surgeon.