ABSTRACT
One hundred thirty-four consecutive, unselected, primary, linear abdominal surgical incisions were closed with running polyglactin suture. The only wound complication was a single infection. No wound dehiscence, incisional hernia, late wound pain or suture sinus occurred.
Subject(s)
Abdominal Injuries/surgery , Suture Techniques , Absorption , Humans , SuturesABSTRACT
A simplified method of diagnostic abdominal paracentesis and lavage is described. Liberal application of this method as part of the initial physical examination of blunt trauma patients resulted in identification at first examination of 94 per cent (61 of 65) of those who were to have laparotomy. No case in the series was brought to laparotomy as the result of findings at arteriography, radionuclide imaging, or sonarography, and no intraabdominal problem was missed because of failure to use one of these organimaging technics. The very limited role of these imaging procedures in early management of blunt abdominal trauma is discussed.
Subject(s)
Abdominal Injuries/diagnosis , Punctures , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/diagnosis , Catheterization/methods , Humans , Laparotomy , Punctures/adverse effects , Therapeutic Irrigation , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Two cases of blunt trauma of the abdominal aorta are reported. In both there was lacreation of the intima and development of intimal flaps with only partial occlusion of the aorta. Immediate recognition in one allowed prompt repair of injured tissue. Delayed recognition in the other, while not life-threatening, did prolong disability and did necessitate vascular tissue replacement with prosthetic graft. Audible bruit and palpable thrill are diagnostic signs that, if sought for in the emergency room and operating room examinations of the traumatized abdomen, will yield early recognition of this lesion.
