Laparoscopic applications for abdominal trauma injuries.

Laparoscopy has been shown to be an effective diagnostic and therapeutic modality for trauma patients. The benefits of laparoscopic intervention include the avoidance of negative laparotomy procedures, decreased patient morbidity rates, shorter hospital stays, and lower costs. Laparoscopic limitations are discussed in this article as well as the perioperative nursing considerations in all phases of trauma patients' care. Five case studies in which patients' care was enhanced by the use of laparoscopy are presented.