Re: Peritoneal Lavage
While it's unlikely you'd ever see this done, it's even less likely at a "real" trauma center. It's an ATLS skill solely for the sites that don't have ultrasound (much less CT) available. That said, as far as a diagnostic skill goes it it pretty worthless. If there is a high suspicion of an ABD bleed, you'd be better off sending it out anyway as once you perform a peritoneal lavage, you've just killed those other two tools (which will give much better, more complete information anyway.)
From a historical standpoint, however, it's an interesting skill. It makes you appreciate the technology we have now.
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