Application of Laparoscopy in Gastrointestinal Injury

This prospective single arm study was undertaken in West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. The institution is the largest medical center in southwest China, and also a national training center of laparoscopy. Surgeons participated in the study were well trained in gastrointestinal laparoscopy and hepatobiliary laparoscopy, and were experienced in management of abdominal trauma.

The study was approved by the institutional review committees. The participants provided written informed consent.

Patients age 18 years or older with abdominal trauma were considered eligible, regardless of the nature of trauma (blunt or penetrating), but hemodynamic stability was mandatory.

Patients meet the following criteria is prepared for laparoscopic exploration:

Evidence showed that wound penetrates the peritoneum in penetrating trauma or/and signs of peritoneal irritation or positive CT scan in those without penetration of peritoneum and patients with blunt injuries.

We defined the CT scan positive by it shows peritoneal effusion, free intraperitoneal air, fat density increase, substantive organ rupture and intestinal wall swelling and other signs of abdominal trauma.

Laparoscopic screening will be performed according to protocol. The study demands that all surgeons should complete the repair laparoscopically as much as possible when condition allow, and record reasons for conversion in detail when it is inevitable.