abdominal tap

abdominal tap

Belly tap, paracentesis Critical care medicine A method for differentiating a surgical abdomen, ie that requiring surgery, from a 'non-surgical' abdomen, avoiding an unnecessary laparotomy Indications Blunt abdominal trauma alone or in combination with injuries to the head, thorax or the extremities or with concomitant substance abuse, acute pancreatitis, post-operative peritonitis, or peritonitis in children with a 2nd disease. Cf Pericardiocentesis.