Clinical study of hollow viscus injury in abdominal trauma

Abstract

Background: Abdominal injury is leading cause of morbidity and mortality at present due to great improvement in man's lifestyle and development of industries.Methods: A total 100 cases of abdominal trauma (both blunt and penetrating) were studied in the present study in our institute for period of 18 Months.Results: Males belonging to young age group of 21-30 were most commonly affected. Road traffic accident is most common mode of injury. Abdominal pain seen in 93% of patients. Abdominal tenderness seen in 86% of patients. Plain x ray abdomen erect was sensitive in detecting hollow viscus injuries. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is better than four quadrant aspirations. Ultrasound examination gives a clear picture of solid organ injury and free fluid. Most common injured viscera in the present study is small bowel and they were managed by simple suturing and closure of perforation and resection and anastomosis. Postoperative complications like wound infection, wound dehiscence, respiratory complications, pelvic abscess and faecal fistula were seen. The duration of stay for most of the patients in this study was between 11-20 days with mean of 15 days. Mortality in this study was 7%. Conditions such as, female gender, long interval between injury and operation, presence of shock on admission, and small bowel injury worsen the prognosis in penetrating abdominal trauma.Conclusions: Young males are most commonly affected due to road traffic accident. Conditions such as, female gender, long interval between injury and operation, presence of shock on admission, and small bowel injury worsen the prognosis in penetrating abdominal trauma.