Diagnostic laparoscopy guidelines for clinical application

This is one of a series of statements discussing the utilization of gastrointestinal endoscopy in common clinical situations. In preparing this guideline, a MEDLINE literature search was performed, and additional references were obtained from the bibliographies of the identified articles and from recommendations of expert consultants. When little or no data exist from well-designed prospective trials, emphasis is given to results from large series and reports from recognized experts. Guidelines for the appropriate use of endoscopy are based on a critical review of the available data and expert consensus. Controlled clinical studies are needed to clarify aspects of this statement and revision may be necessary as new data appear. Clinical considerations may justify a course of action at variance from these recommendations.