Pancreatic Injury—a Case Series Analysis from a Level I Trauma Center

Abstract

Pancreatic injuries pose a significant challenge to trauma surgeons. The mortality and morbidity associated with pancreatic injuries remain high. Furthermore, due to variability in the presentations, the management remains complex and involves a multidisciplinary approach. At our center, we follow the Eastern Association of Surgery for Trauma (EAST) guidelines in traumatic pancreatic injury. We present our experience of management and outcomes of blunt pancreatic injuries. A case-series analysis of 31 patients of blunt pancreatic trauma admitted from August 2017 to October 2019 was performed. The demographic profile, clinical profile, and outcomes were analysed. Grading of pancreatic injury was done by the Organ Injury Score given by the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma. There was a male preponderance with a male: female ratio of 28:3. The majority of patients were of 15–40 years of age. Road traffic injury (22/31) was the most common mechanism of injury. Four patients were hemodynamically unstable at the time of the presentation. Twelve patients underwent operative intervention. Two patients succumbed to their injuries. Higher-grade pancreatic injuries more likely require operative intervention. A protocol-based approach helps to improve the outcomes of traumatic pancreatic injuries.