J Trauma
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Complementary roles of diagnostic peritoneal lavage and computed tomography in the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma.
To assess in randomized prospective format sensitivity, laparotomy rate, and cost-effectiveness of using diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) in a complementary role with computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma. ⋯ Screening DPL with complementary CT has a low nontherapeutic laparotomy rate and is a sensitive and cost-effective method for the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma.