Diagnostic laparoscopy to investigate unexplained lactic acidosis in critically ill patients - A descriptive single centre cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Unexplained lactic acidosis (LA) in a critically ill patient often prompts investigations to rule out any reversible intra-abdominal cause. Equivocal results can lead to an emergency laparotomy (EL) with subsequent high morbidity and mortality rates. Our objective was to determine the clinical impact of urgent diagnostic laparoscopy (UDL) in such patients.

Methods

This was a descriptive single-centre cohort study. UDL on 28 consecutive critically ill patients with unexplained LA who were referred to a single surgeon over 16 years period were analysed. UDL was proformed either at bedside or in theatre without prior computerised tomography (CT) scan. Patient's demographics, ASA grade, referral route and intraoperative findings were analysed.

Results

Eightee

SUBMITTER: Sajid MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6260236 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature