role of computed tomography in blunt abdominal trauma

ABSTRACT

To determine the role of computed tomography [CT] scan in blunt abdominal trauma and to compare it with operative findings or clinical outcome. A total number of 245 consecutive patients with blunt abdominal trauma who underwent diagnostic CT scan where reviewed retrospectively over a 5 year period. Recorded data included age, gender, type of injuries and scan results, The CT findings were compared and correlated with the operative findings or clinical follow-up in conservatively managed cases. Of the total of 245 patients, 113 [46%] underwent surgery. One hundred and thirty two [54%] patients were conservatively managed. There were 12 [4.9%] deaths. Haemoperitoneum were detected in one hundred and seventy patients. All 52 patients with small fluid haemoperitoneum on CT were conservatively managed and all 22 patients with large haemoperitoneum required surgical exploration. There were 95 splenic, sixty three renal, forty eight hepatic and thirteen pancreatic injuries. Twenty one patients tad bowel injuries. Five patients had vascular injuries. Twenty three patients had multi-organ injuries. Organ injuries were graded using the OIS guidelines. In conjunction with close clinical monitoring, CT was reliable in the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma in a selected group of patients