Overview
CT scans are also used to detect intra-abdominal injury in trauma patients and are a valuable adjunct to DPL. The combination of DPL and CT scan allows surgeons to minimize the incidence of unnecessary laparotomy in trauma patients.
Review Date 1/30/2023
Updated by: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.