Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Blood biochemistry, ascites tests, and imaging examinations have low sensitivities in abdominal neoplasm diagnoses. In addition, exploratory laparotomy is not suitable for final stage patients. Mini-laparoscopy has recently emerged as a new diagnostic technology for abdominal disease. The aim of this research was to evaluate the value of mini-laparoscopy in diagnosing abdominal neoplasms. METHODS: Clinical and operational data were retrospectively analyzed in 20 cases with pathologically confirmed abdominal malignancies. Of these, 10 cases were each diagnosed by mini-laparoscopy and exploratory laparotomy. The surgical and anesthesia expenses, perioperative nursing, monitoring and treating charges, postoperative hospital stay and complications were compared between groups. RESULTS: The surgical and anesthesia costs were statistically lower in patients who received a mini-laparoscopy (P<0.01). Perioperative drug expenses and nursing and monitoring charges were also significantly decreased (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Further, the gastrointestinal function recovery time and postoperative hospital stay were significantly reduced in the mini-laparoscopy group. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the preoperative hospital stay and postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Mini-laparoscopy effectively reduces surgical injury and treatment costs, and is capable of safely diagnosing abdominal tumors. Moreover, the procedure is also easy to perform.