OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to (1) determine the incidence of @entity130 in penetrating @entity823 and (2) evaluate the role of laparoscopy in detecting clinically occult @entity130 . @entity1 AND METHODS: One hundred nineteen consecutive @entity1 with penetrating injuries to the left thoracoabdominal region presenting to Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center were prospectively evaluated during an 8-month period. Either celiotomy (with hemodynamic instability or @entity298 ) or laparoscopy was performed. Results of the clinical examination and roentgenographic findings were recorded preoperatively. RESULTS: One hundred seven @entity1 were fully evaluated. Fifty @entity1 required emergent celiotomy. Fifty-seven @entity1 underwent laparoscopy. The overall incidence of @entity130 was 42% (59% for gunshot wounds, 32% for stab wounds). Among the 45 @entity1 with @entity130 , 31% had no abdominal tenderness, 40% had a normal chest roentgenogram, and 49% had an associated @entity2004 . Fifteen of the @entity1 undergoing laparoscopy (26%) had occult diaphragm injuries. CONCLUSION: (1) The incidence of @entity130 in association with penetrating @entity823 is high. (2) The clinical and roentgenographic findings are unreliable at detecting occult @entity130 . (3) Laparoscopy is a vital tool for detecting occult @entity130 among @entity1 who have no other indications for formal celiotomy.

Penetrating XXXX : the incidence and clinical presentation of diaphragm injuries.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients', 'PATIENTS'] @entity823 :: ('MESH:D058502', 'Disease') :: ['left thoracoabdominal trauma'] @entity2004 :: ('MESH:D006468', 'Disease') :: ['hemopneumothorax'] @entity298 :: ('MESH:D010538', 'Disease') :: ['peritonitis'] @entity130 :: ('MESH:D014947', 'Disease') :: ['diaphragmatic injuries']
@entity823 :: (MESH:D058502,Disease) :: ['left thoracoabdominal trauma']
