The value of laparoscopic exploration in the diagnosis of agnogenic ascites:with a report of 35 cases

Objective: To assess the value of laparoscopic exploration in the diagnosis of agnogenic ascites. Methods:The clinical data of 35 patients with agnogenic ascites undergoing diagnostic laparoscopic abdominal exploration and biopsy from Jan.2005 to Dec.2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Results:All operations were successfully performed.The mean blood loss was 10 ml and the median operative time was 23 min.No obvious postoperative complications occurred.The etiological factors of 34 cases were identified by pathologic diagnosis and immunohistochemistry.The total definite diagnostic rate was 97.1%.Of 34 patients,20 cases were tuberculous peritonitis,12 cases were abdominal cavity malignant tumor(4 cases of peritoneal mesothelioma,4 cases of metastatic adenoma,2 cases of ovarian cancer and 2 cases of lymphoma),and 2 cases were cirrhosis of liver. Conclusions:Laparoscopic exploration for agnogenic ascites is safe,efficient,minimally invasive,and with high definite diagnostic rate,but laparoscopic exploration could not replace routine examination.