Adina E Feinberg, MD1, Colin Botkin, MD, FRCSC2, Todd Penner, MD, FRCSC1. 1University of Toronto, 2University of Manitoba
Traditionally, surgical intervention for trauma patients consisted of a standard midline laparotomy and exploration. Trauma laparoscopy has emerged as an attractive alternative due to decreased abdominal wall complications, decreased length of stay in hospital, and decreased overall cost. Appropriate case selection is paramount and includes relative hemodynamic stability, adequate surgeon experience, and a low threshold for conversion to an open procedure.
In this video, we present a case of a young man who came to the emergency room with abdominal pain after a fall while hoisting his friend. He was tachycardic on presentation but his blood pressure was maintained. Computed tomography revealed moderate volume hemoperitoneum, with no definite source identified. We proceeded with diagnostic laparoscopy. After surveying the peritoneal cavity, we identified a rupture in the dome of his bladder. We demonstrate the laparoscopic repair of his injury.