Diagnostic laparoscopy is defined as a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows the visual examination and documentation of intra abdominal organs in order to detect any pathology. We studied 100 patients over a period of 3 years. 90% of our study patients were above 40 years. 43% of our patients had chronic abdominal pain, 27% of presented with subacute intestinal obstruction. 14% had surgical jaundice, 12% of patients had loss of appetite and weight, 4% of patients had occult hernias. Totally 100 diagnostic laparoscopies were done. Diagnostic laparoscopy alone established the diagnosis is 37%. Diagnostic laparoscopy and biopsy established the diagnosis in 98%. Diagnostic laparoscopy failed to yield the diagnosis n 2%. The sensitivity of this procedure is 98%. Its value is higher in malignant than inflammatory lesions because of extensive adhesions met in the latter condition. 27 patients who would ordinarily need explorative lapatomy had the same information gained by the use of diagnostic laparoscopy. 98% diagnostic conformation achieved in our series speaks for the advantage of laparoscopy as a diagnostic tool in chronic abdominal conditions. The P value <0.01. Though the invasive procedure, diagnostic laparoscopy is easy to perform and safe in expert hands.

Keywords: Diagnostic laparoscopy, chronic abdominal pain, surgical jaundice, subacute intestinal obstruction.

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Dr Usha, MS Surgery

Department of Surgery, Kanyakumari Government Medical College Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India