Ringer's lactate solution remains in the peritoneal cavity after laparoscopy longer than expected

Peritoneal absorption of instilled crystalloids is traditionally reported to be 30 to 60 mL/hour. We report detecting statistically significant amounts of fluid at 24 and 48 hours after surgery, after infusion of 300 mL of Ringer's lactate. This suggests that fluid remains in the peritoneal cavity longer than traditionally believed.