A Novel Approach: Transumbilical Endoscopic Exploration and Biopsy for Patients with Unknown Ascites

Abstract Background: The main surgical methods used for the diagnosis of unknown ascites are laparotomy, laparoscopic exploration, and natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). This article introduces a novel method: transumbilical endoscopic exploration and biopsy. Patients and Methods: From September 2009 to January 2012, 11 patients with unknown ascites were scheduled for transumbilical endoscopic exploration and biopsy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China. After the patient underwent general anesthesia and artificial pneumoperitoneum, a 1.0-cm trocar was placed at the umbilical region. After initial observation of the whole peritoneal cavity with a laparoscope, a sterile endoscope (gastroscope) was put through the trocar. The surgeon regulated the depth of insertion of the endoscope and the direction of the trocar, while the endoscopic physician was in charge of turning the camera lens of the endoscope, controlling the biopsy forceps, irrigation, ...