Study objective: The study was designed to determine if open peritoneal lavage is superior to closed peritoneal lavage.
Design and participants: Patients who were admitted to a trauma center and needed peritoneal lavage were assigned to alternate trauma teams. Team 1 performed only open lavages one month and then switched to closed lavages; team 2 did only closed lavages and then switched to open lavages.
Measurements: The incidences of positive lavages and lavage complication were noted. Also measured were the length of time for catheter insertion, length of time of fluid retrieval, volume of effluent, technical difficulty of lavage, training level of the operator, effluent RBC count, and material cost.
Results: Two hundred twenty patients were randomized. No differences were noted in complication rate, volume of effluent, or length of time for fluid retrieval. Significant differences were noted for catheter insertion time (3.6 minutes for closed lavage and 6.9 minutes for open), ease of catheter insertion (closed technique is favored), and material cost ($96.26 for open lavage and $69.70 for closed lavage).
Conclusion: Closed peritoneal lavage is superior to open peritoneal lavage in abdominal trauma; it is faster, easier to use, cheaper, and as safe as open lavage.