After the application of local anesthesia, a vertical skin incision is made one third of the distance from the umbilicus to the pubic symphysis. The linea alba is divided and the peritoneum entered after it has been picked up to prevent bowel perforation. A catheter is inserted towards the pelvis and aspiration of material attempted using a syringe. If no blood is aspirated, 1 litre of warm 0.9% saline is infused and after a few (usually 5) minutes this is drained and sent for analysis.
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage
Exploratory laparotomy
Exploratory surgery
Splenic aspiration
Peritoneal washing
Peritoneal equilibration test
Abdominal x-ray
Whole bowel irrigation