Epidemiological evaluation of abdominal trauma victims submitted to surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the profile and outcome of victims of abdominal injuries who underwent laparotomy in the Emergency Hospital of the state of Sergipe (HUSE). METHODS: This was an observational, descriptive longitudinal study with prospective approach, through interviews of 100 patients with abdominal trauma who underwent surgery and evaluation of their medical records. The study period was from September to November of 2011 in the area of trauma care of the HUSE. RESULTS: the most affected individuals were male, mulattos, aged 25-49 years, with low education, single, Catholic, with an income of 1-2 minimum wages. There was a predominance of trauma in the urban areas, at night and on weekends. The most frequent cause of trauma was the attempted of murder associated with the use of alcohol and illicit drugs, and the most frequent mechanism, stabbing. The pain was the most frequent symptom. The most affected region was the upper abdomen and liver was the most affected organ. The hospital stay averaged 4-10 days. Most patients were discharged without sequelae. There were 2 deaths. CONCLUSION: In the HUSE, the association of abdominal trauma with men under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs was striking, reflecting the context of interpersonal violence in current society. Despite the magnitude of the traumas, the outcome was satisfactory, although deaths, occurred, demonstrating the importance of keeping a trained surgical team in emergency hospitals.