THE ROLE OF LAPAROSCOPIC CONTACT THERMOMETRY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF EDEMATOUS ACUTE PANCREATITIS

Summary. Objective: to identify the temperature of the abdominal organs and markers of the edematous form of acute pancreatitis using laparoscopic contact thermometry. Material and methods. In 27 patients aged 28–76 years with suspected acute abdominal surgical diseases, laparoscopy was performed using a Karl Storz (Germany) apparatus using the improved Kelling technique and an edematous form of acute pancreatitis was suspected. To expand the diagnostic capabilities of the method, laparoscopic contact thermometry of the abdominal organs was performed using a TPEM-M electrothermometer and a designed probe with a sensor at the end. Results. The highest temperature values were found in the area of the omentum (38.1 ± 0.2) °C), the mesentery root of the transverse colon (37.8 ± 0.16) °C and the lesser omentum (37.7 ± 0.13) °C. These anatomical regions are closest to the pancreas, where the pathological process develops. The highest temperature was found in the area of the stuffing box (38.1 ± 0.2) °C, and the lowest temperature was found in the appendix (36.4 ± 0.13) °C, which amounted to a temperature difference of 1.7 °C. The subsequent clinical course and the results of additional research methods confirmed the diagnosis of the edematous form of acute pancreatitis. Findings. The highest temperature values obtained during laparoscopic contact thermometry of the abdominal organs in the area of the omental foramen, the mesentery root of the transverse colon and the lesser omentum are markers of the edematous form of acute pancreatitis.