Diagnostic laparoscopy.

Diagnostic laparoscopy continues to play an important role in the accurate evaluation of patients with abdominal disorders. Combined with laparoscopic ultrasound, it is highly accurate in the staging of intra-abdominal malignancies, and it is superior to transcutaneous ultrasonography and computed tomography. Other important applications include the evaluation of patients with acute and chronic abdominal pain, acute abdomen, peritonitis, and blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma. Laparoscopy now rests firmly in the hands of surgeons. The majority of last year's papers originated from departments of surgery; papers on laparoscopy in hepatic disorders are sorely missing in this year's review.