Laparoscopy or scanning in oesophageal and XXXX ?

@entity1 @entity356 @entity189
A prospective study was undertaken of the accuracy in diagnosing intra-abdominal metastatic disease of the liver by scintigraphy, ultrasound scanning and laparoscopy. The effect of laparoscopy on management was also studied. Fifty @entity1 were studied: 23 @entity189 , 14 @entity356 and 13 with suspected intra-abdominal metastatic spread. Accuracy was determined by laparoscopic biopsy, laparotomy and autopsy. The accuracy was 72 per cent for scintigraphy, 75 per cent for ultrasound and 96 per cent for laparoscopy (with 10 per cent failed ultrasound due to intra-abdominal gas). There was no morbidity or mortality associated with laparoscopy, with one failure due to adhesions. Thirteen @entity1 without hepatic metastases had nodal and/or peritoneal spread diagnosed only by laparoscopy. Laparotomy was avoided in 58 per cent, and 74 per cent died in the 18 month follow-up period. Laparoscopy can obviate the need for laparotomy in inoperable cases of @entity189 and allow better planning for potentially curable surgery. In @entity356 the value of laparoscopy is doubtful as a high percentage require at least palliative surgery.
