Cases Of Blunt Abdominal Trauma Research Articles

Associations between hollow viscus injury and acute kidney injury in blunt abdominal trauma: A national trauma data bank analysis.

It is well established that hollow viscus perforation leads to sepsis and acute kidney injury (AKI) in non-trauma patients. However, the relationship between traumatic hollow viscus injury (HVI) and AKI is not well understood. Utilizing data from the National Trauma Data Bank, we investigated whether HVI serves as a risk factor for AKI. Additionally, we examined the characteristics of AKI in stable patients who underwent conservative treatment. We reviewed blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) cases from 2012 to 2015, comparing patients with and without AKI. Significant factors from univariate analysis were tested in a multivariate logistic regression (MLR) to identify independent AKI determinants. We also analyzed subsets: patients without HVI and stable patients given conservative management. Out of the 563,040 BAT patients analyzed, 9073 (1.6%) developed AKI. While a greater proportion of AKI patients had HVI than those without AKI (13.3% vs. 5.2%, p<0.001), this difference wasn't statistically significant in the MLR (p=0.125). Notably, the need for laparotomy (odds=3.108, p<0.001) and sepsis (odds=13.220, p<0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for AKI. For BAT patients managed conservatively (systolic blood pressure >90mmHg, without HVI or laparotomy; N=497,066), the presence of sepsis was a significant predictor for the development of AKI (odds=16.914, p<0.001). While HVI wasn't a significant risk factor for AKI in BAT patients, the need for laparotomy was. Stable BAT patients managed conservatively are still at risk for AKI due to non-peritonitis related sepsis.

Bleeding control of an injury to the infrarenal inferior vena cava and right external iliac vein by ipsilateral internal iliac artery and superficial femoral vein ligation after blunt abdominal trauma in Korea: a case report

Inferior vena cava (IVC) injuries, while accounting for fewer than 0.5% of blunt abdominal trauma cases, are among the most difficult to manage. Despite advancements in prehospital care, transportation, operative techniques, and perioperative management, the mortality rate for IVC injuries has remained at 20% to 66% for several decades. Furthermore, 30% to 50% of patients with IVC injuries succumb during the prehospital phase. A 65-year-old male patient, who had been struck in the back by a 500-kg excavator shovel at a construction site, was transported to a regional trauma center. Injuries to the right side of the infrarenal IVC and the right external iliac vein (EIV) were suspected, along with fractures to the right iliac bone and sacrum. The injury to the right side of the infrarenal IVC wall was repaired, and the right internal iliac artery was ligated. However, persistent bleeding around the right EIV was observed, and we were unable to achieve proximal and distal control of the right EIV. Attempts at prolonged manual compression were unsuccessful. To decrease venous return, we ligated the right superficial femoral vein. This reduced the amount of bleeding, enabling us to secure the surgical field. We ultimately controlled the bleeding, and approximately 5 L of blood products were infused intraoperatively. A second-look operation was performed 2 days later, by which time most of the bleeding sites had ceased. Orthopedic surgeons then took over the operation, performing closed reduction and external fixation. Five days later, the patient underwent definitive fixation and was transferred for rehabilitation on postoperative day 22.

Blunt Abdominal Trauma Severity Scoring System: Exceptional Score in Blunt Abdominal Trauma Management

Objectives The abdomen is a diagnostic black box. Physical examination of the abdomen is unreliable in making this determination, and sometimes clinical evaluation is difficult due to the influence of drugs or alcohol by patients or abdominal injuries occurring with head or spinal cord injuries. However, the presence of abdominal rigidity or hemodynamic compromise is an indication for prompt surgical exploration. For the remainder of patients, a variety of diagnostic adjuncts are used to identify abdominal injury. In this study, our aim is to find the answer of these questions, (1) What was the major indication for operation in each case? (2) Did delays in getting the patient to the operating room affect the outcome? (3) How to find morbidity and mortality in blunt abdominal injuries, at the behest of the Blunt Abdominal Trauma Severity Scoring System (BATSS). Material and Methods A retrospective study of 100 cases of blunt abdominal trauma was done Sheth Lallubhai Gordhandas Municipal General Hospital, Narendra Modi Medical College, Ahmedabad, for the accuracy of the BATSS score. Patients were divided into three groups according to the BATSS: (1) ≥12 score group, (2) 8–11 score group, and (3) &lt;8 score group. Results Operative management was more common in the high-risk group, while the low-risk group was managed conservatively under expert guidance. The mean BATSS scores in operative and conservative management were 14.77 ± 2.91 and 5.12 ± 2.56, respectively. The BATSS score had an 87.1% Specificity, 100% Sensitivity, 94.5% Negative Predictive value (NPV), 100% Positive Predictive value (PPV) and an overall Accuracy of 96%. Conclusion BATSS is important for triage and is an excellent tool for recognising and picking up high-risk patients with blunt abdominal injuries.

Assessment of Frequency, Patterns, and Causes of Blunt Abdominal Trauma in a North Indian Cohort: An Autopsy-Based Study.

Introduction The abdomen is one of the most frequently damaged areas in trauma patients and is commonly encountered in road traffic accidents (RTAs). The present study evaluates the frequency, etiology, causation, and form of injuryin blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) cases who had autopsies. Method An autopsy-based observational prospective study was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Nalanda Medical College and Hospital Patna, India, during the period from October 2018 to September 2020, which included a total of 940 autopsy cases showing blunt abdominal injuries. A predesigned proforma for the postmortem evaluation of BAT victims was used to collect the required information on the cases. Descriptive statistics were performed, and the data were presented as frequency (%) and mean±SD. Chi-square tests were performed to compare categorical variables between groups. Results BAT accounted for 120 (12.76%) cases of all autopsies performed. The majority of victims were male(92.48%). Victims aged 21-30 years (31, 25.83%) were the ones most usually engaged in BAT cases. Among the mechanisms accountable for BAT, RTAs were the most common (99, 82.50%), followed by assault (16, 13.30%). In most of the cases, the liver was injured (107, 89.16%), followed by the spleen (60, 50.00%) and kidney (24, 20.00%). The majority of blunt abdominal injury-related deaths were accidental (100, 83.33%), followed by homicidal (15, 12.5%) and suicidal cases (5, 4.17%). Hemorrhage and neurogenic shock were the most prevalent causes of mortality, particularly if the individual died within a few hours. Conclusion RTAs are the most frequent cause of BAT in autopsy cases, and the liver is the most affected organ. The majority of deaths occur within the first 24 hours of injury. Since blunt abdominal injuries have the propensity to increase morbidity and mortality, appropriate emphasis on their precise diagnosis and satisfactory therapy is mandated.

Traumatic segmental renal infarction due to renal apical artery thrombosis by minor blunt abdominal trauma: the role of CEUS

Post-traumatic segmental renal infarction is an extremely rare event, especially in case of minor blunt abdominal trauma. While major trauma guidelines are well established, several problems account for the adequate management of minor trauma. Herein, we report a case of minor blunt abdominal trauma determining traumatic thrombosis of the apical renal artery and segmental renal infarction, firstly diagnosed by CEUS in emergency care setting.

Conservative Management of Splenic Injury in Blunt Abdominal Trauma: A Single Center Experience.

Road traffic accidents are the greatest cause of death worldwide. Most intra-abdominal injuries caused by blunt abdominal trauma have been treated surgically for a very long period. Over the past few decades, conservative care has gained in popularity and effectiveness as a treatment choice for blunt abdominal trauma. To determine the efficacy of conservative management in patients suffering from splenic injury in blunt abdominal trauma. The study included 62 cases of blunt abdominal trauma treated non-operatively in the general surgery department of the Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar between June 2021 and December 2022. Minimal hemoperitoneum was observed in 47 (75.8%) cases, moderate hemoperitoneum was noted in 11 (17.7%) cases, and 4 (6.4%) patients didn't have free fluid in the abdomen. There was no massive hemoperitoneum among the study patients. No major complications were observed during the study period. Only 7 (11.3%) cases develop minimal pleural effusion while 2 (3.2%) patients developed splenic abscess. Mortality was observed in only 1 (1.6%) case. Conservative management is a safe and efficient strategy and should be considered as a first line of treatment for all hemodynamically stable patients who suffered blunt splenic injury.

Management and treatment of liver injuries after blunt abdominal trauma

The liver is involved in about 20% of cases of blunt abdominal trauma. The management of liver trauma has changed significantly in the past three decades towards conservative treatment. Up to 80% of all liver trauma patients can now be successfully treated by nonoperative management. Decisive for this is the adequate screening and assessment of the patient and the injury pattern as well as the provision of the appropriate infrastructure. Hemodynamically unstable patients require immediate exploratory surgery. In hemodynamically stable patients, acontrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) should be performed. If active bleeding is detected angiographic imaging and embolization should be performed to stop the bleeding. Even after initially successful conservative management of liver trauma, subsequent complications can occur that make surgical inpatient treatment necessary.

A STUDY OF PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH SPLENIC TRAUMA DUE TO BLUNT ABDOMINAL INJURIES AND THEIR OUTCOMES

Introduction - Spleen injuries are among the most frequent trauma-related injuries. At present, they are classified according to the anatomy of the injury. The optimal treatment strategy, however, should keep into consideration the hemodynamic status, the anatomic derangement, and the associated injuries. The management of splenic trauma patients aims to restore the homeostasis and the normal physiopathology with a multidisciplinary team. Thus, the study to determine the presentation of a patient and further its investigation management and outcome is necessary. Objective: To study all the cases (investigation and outcome) of blunt abdominal trauma with splenic laceration with its incidence , mode of presentation, grade, management and factors responsible for morbidity and mortality. Material and methods: A study was conducted in our tertiary care hospital on 22 patients presented with blunt abdominal trauma with splenic injury in emergency department during July 2019 to June 2021. In our retrospective stu Results: dy , all the patients underwent primary radiological and pathological investigation with 36% having associated limb injuries (fractures);4.5% with ckd , 9% with thoracic injury, 40% amongst 20-40 age group , 86% being male, 59.5% resulted from RTA, 31.5 % resulted from fall from height,0% with assault, 4.5% along with head injury, 9% with associated rib fracture,0% patient with free gas under diaphragm ; 9% with grade 1, 22% with grade 2, 31.5% grade 3 , 13.5% grade 4, 22%grade 5 splenic injuries. 91% patients underwent splenectomy and were given vaccination 15 days post operatively against capsulated organisms.9% patients were managed conservatively. Patients were followed up for 6 months postoperatively with 4.5% mortality rate. Conclusion: Splenic injury is most common solid organ injury in blunt abdominal trauma in 20- 40 years age group majority male and results maximally by RTA; associated with limb fractures commonly with liver as associated solid organ injured. Aggressive resuscitation and emergency laparotomy (splenectomy) yields excellent outcome.

Delayed presentation of traumatic sigmoid perforation accompanied by ileal devascularization due to mesentric tear in a patient with blunt abdominal trauma-a case report

Isolated colonic injuries are unusual following blunt abdominal trauma, and often have a delayed presentation. Associated or isolated mesentric injuries of small bowel although more frequent than the former, tend to present late as well. Due to the atypical presentation, these injuries are often missed and lead to significant morbidity and mortality. We present a case of blunt abdominal trauma that presented 7 days after primary injury with fecal peritonitis leading to septic shock. Patient had a sigmoid perforation with associated mesentric tear, devascularising its corresponding bowel. Patient underwent exploratory laprotomy. A resection of perforated sigmoid colon with descending-sigmoid anastomosis along with resection of devascularised ileum and double barrel stoma were performed. Patient required intensive care in the early perioperative period. He recovered well and was discharged on post operative day 10.

Spleen-Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy for Blunt Pancreatic Trauma in a Pediatric Patient

Pancreatic injury is rare in pediatric cases of blunt abdominal trauma and nonoperative management is preferred in pediatric patients. There are more concerns about operative treatment observed in pediatric patients compared with adult patients. However, some pediatric cases require surgical treatment. If distal pancreatectomy is performed, the necessity of splenectomy should be considered, especially in pediatric patients. This study reports the case of a 17-month-old patient with a Grade 3 pancreatic injury following blunt abdominal trauma. The patient was successfully managed by spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy. In conclusion, this surgical technique can be performed safely, and complications caused by splenectomy can be prevented using this technique.

A case of blunt abdominal trauma resulting in significant bladder injury (AAST grade IV)

Introduction: Bladder injuries are uncommon and its diagnosis is often missed. However, in patients presenting with blunt abdominal trauma, bladder, and other lower urinary tract injuries must be ruled out using adequate investigations. Case Report: A 33-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department 24 hours after a fall, complaining of lower abdominal pain and inability to void. Examination revealed a mildly distended abdomen with no signs of peritonism. A random bladder scan showed a volume of 583 mL. Basic investigations showed the patient to be in acute kidney injury (AKI) stage III with a creatinine of 350 mmol/L. Clinical findings were suggestive of a bladder injury. However, due to the rarity of such cases, clinicians reviewing the patient did not think of a bladder injury as one of the differential diagnoses. Instead of also requesting for a computed tomography (CT) cystography, only a trauma CT abdomen and pelvis with contrast was requested which demonstrated an intraperitoneal bladder injury. The patient was taken to theater for an emergency laparotomy and repair of a 4 cm bladder laceration. According to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) classification, the patient had a Grade IV bladder injury. A cystogram performed 4 weeks after the surgery showed no urine leak and the urethral catheter was removed. Fortunately, no harm was brought to the patient. Conclusion: Intraperitoneal bladder injuries, if missed, can be associated with serious morbidities and even increase the risk of mortality.

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF FOCUSED ASSESSMENT WITH SONOGRAPHY IN TRAUMA FOR VISCERAL INJURIES IN BLUNT ABDOMINAL TRAUMA PATIENTS KEEPING CT AS GOLD STANDARD

Background: Blunt abdominal trauma is common and is associated with intra-abdominal injury. Focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) is extremely sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of visceral injury in such patients with added benefit of quick scan and bedside availability. This study was conducted with an aim to establish the diagnostic accuracy of FAST for diagnosing visceral injuries in blunt abdominal trauma patients. Methods: This study involved 247 patients of both genders aged 18–60 years, referred to Department of Diagnostic Radiology with history of blunt abdominal trauma. All these 247 patients underwent FAST and CT abdomen. The results of CT scan were taken as gold standard and those of FAST were judged accordingly as true/false positive/negative. Results: Visceral injury was diagnosed in 167 (67.6%) patients on FAST while CT scan confirmed visceral injury in 165 (66.8%) patients. There were 155 true positive, 12 false positive, 10 false negative and 70 true negative cases which yielded 93.94% sensitivity, 85.37% specificity, 91.09% accuracy, 92.81% positive predictive value and 87.50% negative predictive value for FAST in detecting visceral injury. Conclusion: FAST is fairly sensitive, specific, and accurate in diagnosing visceral injury among blunt abdominal trauma. Its non-invasive, radiation-free nature, and widespread bedside availability advocate its preferred use in place of CT in diagnosis of visceral injury in blunt abdominal trauma cases. Pak J Physiol 2022;18(3):7?10

Management and outcome of pancreatic trauma: a 6-year experience at a level I trauma center

Abstract Background Pancreatic trauma (PT) accounts for less than 1% of all trauma admissions. Occasionally, PT is undetected during the primary survey and becomes apparent only when complications arise. It occurs in up to 5% of blunt abdominal trauma cases and 12% of individuals with penetrating abdominal injuries. Management is determined by the status of the main pancreatic duct and associated injuries. Methods This was an ambispective study conducted at the Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Center, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, from January 2015 to December 2017 (retrospective), and January 2019 to December 2020 (prospective). In total, 113 patients with PT were included in this study. Results We analyzed the data of 113 patients with PT included in this study, of which males predominated (93.7%). Blunt PT was present in 101 patients (89.4%) and penetrating PT in 12 patients (10.6%). Half of the patients (51.3%) had the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grade III PT, followed by grade II (18.6%), and grade I (15%). Of the total 113 patients, 68 (60.2%) were treated with operative management, and 45 (39.8%) with nonoperative management. Distal pancreatectomy, with or without splenectomy, was the most common procedure performed in our study, followed by drainage. There were 27 mortalities (23.8%) during the study period, of which 7 were directly related to PT and 20 were due to other organ-related sepsis and hemorrhagic shock. Conclusion Pancreatic trauma is rare but challenging for trauma surgeons, with persistent management controversies. Early diagnosis is important for favorable results; however, a delay in diagnosis has been associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Low-grade pancreatic injuries can be successfully managed nonoperatively, whereas high-grade pancreatic injuries require surgical intervention.

A STUDY OF PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH BLUNT ABDOMINAL INJURY WITH SPLENIC TRAUMAAND THEIR OUTCOME.

INTRODUCTION - Spleen injuries are among the most frequent trauma-related injuries. At present, they are classied according to the anatomy of the injury. The optimal treatment strategy, however, should keep into consideration the hemodynamic status, the anatomic derangement, and the associated injuries. The management of splenic trauma patients aims to restore the homeostasis and the normal physiopathology with a multidisciplinary team. Thus, the study to determine the presentation of a patient and further its investigation management and outcome is necessary. OBJECTIVE: To study all the cases (investigation and outcome) of blunt abdominal trauma with splenic laceration with its incidence , mode of presentation, grade, management and factors responsible for morbidity and mortality. MATERIALAND METHODS:Astudy was conducted in our tertiary care hospital on 22 patients presented with blunt abdominal trauma with splenic injury in emergency department during July 2019 to June 2021. RESULTS: In our retrospective study , all the patients underwent primary radiological and pathological investigation with 36% having associated limb injuries (fractures);4.5% with ckd , 9% with thoracic injury, 40% amongst 20-40 age group , 86% being male, 59.5% resulted from RTA, 31.5 % resulted from fall from height,0% with assault, 4.5% along with head injury, 9% with associated rib fracture,0% patient with free gas under diaphragm ; 9% with grade 1, 22% with grade 2, 31.5% grade 3 , 13.5% grade 4, 22%grade 5 splenic injuries. 91% patients underwent splenectomy and were given vaccination 15 days post operatively against capsulated organisms.9% patients were managed conservatively. Patients were followed up for 6 months postoperatively with 4.5% mortality rate. CONCLUSION: Splenic injury is most common solid organ injury in blunt abdominal trauma in 20- 40 years age group majority male and results maximally by RTA; associated with limb fractures commonly with liver as associated solid organ injured. Aggressive resuscitation and emergency laparotomy (splenectomy) yields excellent outcome

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PARACENTESIS, DIAGNOSTIC PERITONEAL LAVAGE, AND ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS OF BLUNT INJURY ABDOMEN – A STUDY FROM CENTRAL INDIA

Introduction: Blunt abdominal trauma comprises 1–1.5% of total admissions for trauma. In India every year more than a lakh persons die due to accidents. It is in fact the automobiles traveling at a greater speed than ever before that account for an amazing frequency of admissions in civilian hospitals. These injuries present a challenge to the most astute diagnostician, mainly because of the many organs involved, complexity of the hidden and vital structures involved and also because other frequently overshadow the early symptoms associated injuries to the head and chest. The figure is increasing every year, for example, from 1965 to 1966 and an increase by 8.4% was recorded. Methods: The present study consists of 70 cases of blunt abdominal trauma treated in surgical indoors of Hamidia Hospital and associated Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal within the period of 3 years. Abdominal paracentesis was done in all cases and diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) done in those cases, where paracentesis was negative or doubtful. Ultrasonography was also done in almost all the cases admitted. Results: In our study, the accuracy and sensitivity of DPL marginally exceeds that of ultrasonography and accuracy and sensitivity of paracentesis is relatively less. Conclusion: Our study establishes that safety and accuracy of peritoneal tapping as a diagnostic aid in acute abdomen. It is particularly useful in several centers, where radiological facilities do not exist. Comparing all the above diagnostic tools, ultrasonography and DPL were considered are the most accurate, sensitive, and specific diagnostic modalities in cases of blunt injury abdomen.

Mesenteric Injury in Blunt Abdominal Trauma in Children: Is Early Surgical Intervention Need of the Hour?

Objective:There is an increasing trend of observational, nonsurgical management of abdominal injuries in children. We analyzed the feasibility and outcome of our management protocol in managing cases of the mesenteric injuries in blunt trauma abdomen in pediatric age group.Methods:Single-center retrospective analysis of pediatric trauma case records from July 2018 to March 2020 was performed.Results:Thirty-four cases of blunt abdominal trauma of whom 13 had mesenteric injuries were reviewed. The male-to-female ratio was 2.2:1, and the mean age was 9.11 ± 4.90 years. Mesentery of the small bowel was the most commonly injured segment and treatment consisted of repair of mesenteric tear, resection, and anastomosis with or without stoma formation.Conclusions:Isolated mesenteric injury of all grades should be managed either with diagnostic laparoscopy or laparotomy irrespective of hemodynamic status.

Nonoperative management of blunt abdominal trauma cases at a tertiary care center in India – An effective strategy

Nonoperative management of blunt abdominal trauma cases at a tertiary care center in India – An effective strategy

Lessons learned from blunt trauma abdomen: Surgical experience in level I trauma centre.

The number of accident cases is increasing day by day, so as the challenges. With an emphasis on trauma care, the government started a 120 bedded level I trauma centre in northern India catering to a population of 2.8 million in June 2018. Through this article, we aimed to share our experience of blunt abdominal trauma management from a new level I trauma centre. In this retrospective observational study, historical analysis of all available records from July 2018 to March 2020 was done. Inclusion criteria included blunt trauma abdomen with or without associated injuries. Data regarding age, sex, mechanism of injury, time taken to reach the hospital, the pattern of solid organs and hollow viscus injuries, associated extra abdominal injuries, mode of treatment, complications, length of ICU and hospital stay, and mortality were reviewed. Overall, 154 cases sustained abdominal injuries during the study period. Seventy-five percent were male. The most common cause of blunt trauma abdomen was road traffic crashes. Operative management was required in 57 (37.01%) cases while 97(62.98%) were managed non-operatively (NOM). Mean ICU stay was 05.73 days, while the average hospital stay was 12 days (range 10-60 days). Procedures performed included splenectomy, liver repair, primary closure of bowel injury, and stoma formation. Complications occured in 16.88% cases and the overall mortality rate was 11.68%. The study revealed that among 154 cases of fatal blunt abdominal trauma, road traffic crash was the most common cause of blunt abdominal trauma, predominantly affecting males. The visceral and peritoneal injury frequently perceived was liver in 40 cases (25.9%), spleen 66 (43%), intestine 21(13.6%) and kidney 13 cases (09%). Abdominal injury was associated with other injuries like head, chest and extremity injuries in 52.5% cases. Duration of injury, presence of associated injury and preoperative ventilation requirement were independent predictors of mortality apart from contributary factors such as clinical presentation, organ involved and presence of complications.

Trauma in pediatric urology

In pediatric trauma, the kidney is the most commonly injured organ of the urinary tract. Renal trauma occurs in 10% to 20% of all pediatric blunt abdominal trauma cases. The vast majority of renal injuries can be treated conservatively. However, cases associated with hemodynamic instability require operative interventions. Injuries to the ureter, bladder or urethra are almost exclusively encountered in polytraumatized children. The aim of this article is to give an overview on traumatic injuries to the pediatric urinary system.

ANALYSIS OF BLUNT ABDOMINAL TRAUMA CASES AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL BIKANER (RAJASTHAN)

Background: In view of increasing number of vehicles and consequently road traffic accidents, this dissertation has been chosen to study the cases of blunt abdominal trauma with reference to the patients presenting at P.B.M. hospital, attached to S.P. Medical College, Bikaner.&#x0D; Methods: Prospective hospital-based study was conducted on all the patients of blunt abdominal injury admitted in the department of surgery, S.P. Medical College and P.B.M. Hospital, Bikaner.&#x0D; Results: Majority of the patients presented with abdominal pain (86%) and abdominal tenderness (81%).&#x0D; Conclusion: We concluded that young Males are predominantly affected. Road traffic accident forms the most common mode of injury. Though conservative management is successful in carefully selected patients, operative management remains the main stay of treatment.&#x0D; Keywords: Blunt trauma, Age, Sex