*4.1.11 Diagnostic laparotomy*

Diagnostic laparotomy is indicated in cases of difficulty in identification of the aetiology of ascites. Often laparotomy presents adequate visual inspection of the peritoneal cavity and avenue for biopsy collection for histological and microbiological studies [38]. Diagnostic laparotomy provides ground for effective diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis, tuberculous peritonitis, etc. [43, 44].
