Management of patients with blunt abdominal trauma

ABSTRACT

To evaluate limitations of diagnostic peritoneal lavage and ultrasonography in patients with blunt abdominal trauma. The study was conducted in Accident and Emergency Department of Nishtar Hospital, Multan on 100 cases presented with BAT having equivocal abdominal findings during one year i.e. September 2007 to September 2008. It was a prospective comparative study. Main age group involved in accidents and BAT was between 40 to 60 years. Male to female ration was 51. Liver was main organ injured in most cases. It was observed that DPL was 100% sensitive and 91.3% specific while USG of abdomen was 88.9% sensitive and 100% specific. DPL is more sensitive while abdominal USG is more specific. Both are complementary to each other. By using these diagnostic modalities we can reduce both morbidity and mortality and also hospital stay