Penetrating Abdominal Trauma Complicated Byascariasis- our Experiencec

Abstract

Penetrating abdominal trauma typically involves the violation of the abdominal cavity by gunshot wound (GSW) or stab wound (SW). The surgical complications of ascaris lumbricoides have been well documented, however very few studies have tried to elucidate the impact of ascariasis in patients with penetrating abdominal injury.In the tropical Environment such as ours it is most relevant to consider ascariasis as a factor which could mordify the short and long time outcome in the management of patients with penetrating abdominal trauma. The aim was to look at the demographics and outcomes in the management of penetrating abdominal trauma in patients with intra operative finding of ascariasis. This study was retrospective, in which patients with penetrating abdominal injury and coexisting ascariasis were analysed. The study population included all such patients for a period of 10 years between January 2012 to January 2021.The patients were evaluated with their case notes retrieved from the medical record department and their operative note and laboratory investigations recorded. Excluded from the study were those with associated injuries in other regions of the body. A total of 300 patients who had penetrating abdominal injury were seen within the study period. 220 cases (66.7%) were due to gunshot wound to the abdomen while 80 cases (33.3%) were due to stab injury to the abdomen. All of them had the intra operative finding of ascarids within the abdomen. The male to female ratio was 2:1. The incidental finding of ascarid during surgery for penetrating abdominal trauma is common and accounts for high mobidity and mortality in patients who have penetrating abdominal trauma. It is therefore of public health importance to engage in mass deworming exercise especially in the tropics were ascariasis is endemic. Elimination of this round worm would ensure a better postoperative outcome in patients who have penetrating abdominal trauma.