Intra-abdominal Organ Injuries in Blunt Injury Abdomen in SRM Medical College, Potheri: A Prospective Study.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Blunt Abdominal trauma is the most common caused by road traffi c accidents (RTA). It also occurs as a result of fall from a height, assault with blunt objects, industrial mishaps, sports injuries, bomb blast. Investigative modality can only supplement the clinical evaluation and cannot replace it in the diagnosis of blunt abdominal trauma. In spite of the best techniques and advances in diagnostic and supportive care, the morbidity and mortality remain at large. Purpose: To estimate the frequency of various intra-abdominal organ involved, assess the various mode of blunt abdominal trauma and clinical presentation and various available investigation, treatment and complications. Methods: This a prospective study conducted in SRM Medical College among patients presenting to the casualty and general surgery outpatient department with a sample size of 72. Results: Males (91.6%) outnumbered females (8.33%). RTA forms the most common mode of injury. The most common age group affected is 21-30 years. Majority of the population presented with pain abdomen. Focused assessment with sonography for trauma has picked up solid organ injury in 46 cases. Computed tomography abdomen was performed in 100% of the population and forms the core investigation of choice and becomes more important in dealing operative versus conservative management. For splenic injury, the most common surgery performed was splenectomy (26 cases). Multiple intra-abdominal organs were involved accounting for 9.7%. Wound infection is the most common post-operative complication. The study showed a mortality of 19%. Conclusion: Blunt injury abdomen with solid organ injury forms a considerable load of patients in our society and is usually less obvious. Early diagnosis, repeated clinical examination and use of appropriate investigations form the key in the management.