Abstract

Ascites of unknown etiol¬ogy is defined as ascites the etiology of which cannot be determined after conventional laboratory examinations including cell count, albumin level, total protein level, Gram stain, culture and cytology and imaging investigations including ultrasound and computed tomography scan.

Aims and Objective: To evaluate the role of laparoscopy in determining the etiology ascitis of undetermined etiology.

Conclusion: The etiological diagnosis of exudative ascites remains a difficult challenge despite the availability of wide range of often complex and costly complementary investigations. Currently, laparoscopy with peritoneal biopsies to establish histopathological diagnosis remains the gold standard for etiologic diagnosis. Laparoscopy is able to achieve the final diagnosis and provide tissue diagnosis without any significant complication and less operative time. It can be safely concluded that diagnostic laparoscopy is a safe, quick, and effective adjunct to diagnostic modalities, for establishing a conclusive diagnosis, but, whether it should replace imaging studies as the primary modality for diagnosis, needs more evidence.

Keywords: Ascites; Laparoscopy; Tuberculosis; Peritoneal biopsy