ABSTRACT
The Authors report a case of abdominal traumatism by gunshot wound, presenting with retroperitoneal hematoma and hematoma of the mesocolon, treated in emergency laparoscopy. After a literature review and their case report analysis, they confirm the importance of emergency laparoscopy in hemodynamically stable patients, as well as the diagnostic value of peritoneal lavage, positive for minimal and moderate hemoperitoneum. Laparoscopy allows, as the same time in most cases, the diagnosis and the management of the lesion, while surgery is reserved to the cases of severe hemoperitoneum and perforating injuries. The use of laparoscopy in abdominal blunt injuries, has reduced the number of unnecessary laparotomies with related higher incidence of morbidity. The Authors conclude confirming the importance of this technique for its diagnostic efficacy, lower costs, minimal traumatism, and good aesthetic results as observed in the case report for the modality of the injuries, the young age and the previous sternotomy of the patient.
