The clinical diagnosis of blunt abdominal injuriy is particularly inexact in children. Since unrecognized abdominal injuries are frequently lethal and the morbidity and mortality of abdominal injuries are increased by delays in treatment, the prompt diagnosis of blunt abdominal injuries is essential. Quantitative peritoneal lavage was performed in 31 children with blunt abdominal trauma to determine the presence of intraabdominal injuries. A positive lavage was 100% accurate in diagnosing an intraabdominal injury requiring opration. A negative lavage demonstrated absence of a significant intrapertoneal injuries with 100% accuracy. Peritoneal lavage is safe and much more accurate method than other examinations for the diagnosis of significant intraabdominal inguries.
