ABSTRACT
To evaluate emergency diagnostic methods, surgical procedures and the factors affecting morbidity and mortality of the victims of road traffic accidents and falls from height who sustained abdominal trauma. Setting: Liaquat Medical College, Hospital Jamshoro Hyderabad-Sindh. Subjects: All patients who were admitted to Liaquat Medical College Hospital for various injuries during the period March 1990 to May 1997. Main outcome measures: Morbidity and mortality relating to modes of trauma. Total number of patients was 1825, 7% sustained abdominal trauma, 6% required laparotomy, age range was 2 years to 69 years [mean 25.6 years] male patients outnumbered female patients by ratio 5.4: 1. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage yielded an accuracy of 95% with no complication, Spleen Liver [Seven] and mesentry [Twelve] were the three common injured organs. Mortality was high in liver injuries. Overall, road traffic accidents were most common cause of trauma in young. However, fall was the common cause of trauma in children. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage has proved to be of high diagnostic accuracy. Liver trauma patients had high mortality. However, overall morbidity and mortality appeared to be directly related to the extent of injury to other systems involved. These injuries are preventable by seatbelt enforcing laws, tough penalties for speed limit breakers, adequate precautions for safety during building works and by planned intensive public enlightenment and educational measures