Abdominal tap: Indication, technic, and results

Abstract A study of the abdominal tap as a safe and accurate diagnostic tool that can be a valuable adjunct in the armamentarium of the surgeon in the evaluation of the patient with acute trauma is presented. The safety of the abdominal tap has been demonstrated both clinically and experimentally. Its inherent safety has been combined with modifications which give it an accuracy rate as high as 96 per cent in determining whether significant intra-abdominal injury has occurred. The indications and technic are described. A review of the abdominal taps performed in patients presenting with acute trauma at the University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals between 1959 and 1969 confirms its inherent safety while delivering a diagnostic accuracy of 91 per cent. This procedure is indicated in those patients with abdominal trauma combined with multiple associated injuries, patients with postconcussion confusion and somnolence, and intoxicated patients.