Procedure

1. Obtain written informed consent.
   
   
2. Obtain a preliminary plain abdominal radiograph to look for potential contraindications.
   
   
3. Have the patient empty the urinary bladder if shown on the preliminary film to be distended.
   
   
4. Locate a puncture site in the midline 2-3 cm below the umbilicus.
   
   
5. Perform sterile preparation of the skin puncture site.
   
   
6. Anesthetize the skin using an injection of 1% Xylocaine. This may be unnecessary in infants.
   
   
7. Using a 20 or 21 gauge, 1 1/2 inch long, sheathed needle (angiocath, intracath) attached to a small syringe, puncture the abdominal wall, enter the peritoneal cavity, and withdraw the needle, leaving the sheath in place.
   
   
8. Inject a 30% solution of water-soluble, iodinated contrast material in a dosage dependent upon the patient's body weight (see above table). An extension tubing is used to attach the syringe containing the contrast material to the angiocath sheath.