Abstract

Introduction: In face of uncertain diagnosis after utilizing all available laboratory and non-invasive diagnostic modalities. Diagnostic laparoscopy may help in avoiding unnecessary laparotomy, provide accurate diagnosis and to planning optimal therapy. Aim: This study details the experience of diagnostic laparoscopy at Baghdad Teaching Hospital and its outcome. Patients and methods: Analysis of the data of a 100 patient submitted to diagnostic laparoscopy between May 2008 and Jan. 2011 according to age, gender, indication for the procedure, whether therapeutic intervention was taken and the type of intervention done at time of laparoscopy or later. Results: In selected cases diagnostic laparoscopy helped avoid a formal exploration in 73% with a high diagnostic yield of 99% and operative intervention 44%. Abdominal pain and infertility comprised 59% of the indications for diagnostic laparoscopy. Diagnoses found included ovarian cysts 11%, cholecystitis 10%, patent tubes 10%, blocked tubes 9%, appendicitis 9%, abdominal TB 6%, and other miscellaneous diagnoses. Conclusion: Diagnostic laparoscopy proved to be very useful and safe in establishing diagnosis in selected cases, performing operative laparoscopic procedures and avoiding laparotomies, with no specific complications encountered.