Laparoscopic approach to fever of unknown origin

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is difficult to diagnose. Laparotomy is needed to establish the etiologic diagnosis in some patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility, safety, and success rate of a protocolized laparoscopy in patients with FUO. An extensive clinical evaluation was performed before surgery. Laparoscopy included inspection of the abdominal cavity, wedge and tru-cut liver biopsies, lymph node biopsy, splenectomy, and bone marrow biopsy. Histologic analysis, permanent section analysis, and cultures were obtained. The study involved 15 patients with a mean age of 43.6 +/- 14.5 years. The mean operative time was 122 +/- 60 min. Minor complications occurred in 9% of the patients. One patient bled after surgery and underwent reoperation. There was no operative mortality. An etiologic diagnosis was made in 66% of the patients, and laparoscopy helped to rule out intraabdominal pathology in four additional patients, giving a total success rate of 93%. Protocolized laparoscopy in patients with FUO is safe, feasible, and accurate.