[Management of blunt hepatic trauma in patients referred to Isfahan Alzahra hospital during 1998-2008]

ABSTRACT

Liver is the most commonly injured organ in blunt abdominal trauma. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of blunt hepatic trauma would decrease morbidity and mortality rates. To achieve this goal, physicians should be aware of the prevalence, etiologies, signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures and up-to-date management of blunt hepatic trauma. A descriptive retrospective study was conducted on all 130 patients admitted to the emergency department of Isfahan Alzahra Hospital during 1998- 2008. Data were collected from patients' medical records and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Out of 130 patients, 103 cases [79.2%] were male. Mean age of cases was 29.7 +/- 13.46. The most common traumatic mechanism was vehicle accidents in 100 cases [76.9%]. Sonography in association with CT scan as the most commonly used diagnostic method was obtained in 68 cases [52.3%]. Eighty-eight cases [67.7%] underwent surgery while conservative treatment was selected for the other 42 cases [32.3%]. Admission to ICU was more frequently needed in conservative treatment group [P=0.001]. The mean length of hospitalization was shorter for patients underwent surgery. Better clinical results and fewer complications in the group managed conservatively presents it as a safer and more efficient treatment method: