Indications for Abdominal Exploration When Cancer Is Suspected

Abstract

A rationale is presented concerning abdominal exploration in cases when a preoperative diagnosis cannot be made or when the location and nature of a lesion cannot be determined without exploration and biopsy.

Attention is directed to certain types of intra-abdominal lesions whose presence is not manifested by physical or laboratory examinations, including roentgenographic survey, but is suspected from the clinical history. The surgeon's obligations, when he advises and performs an abdominal exploration, are emphasized.