Pattern of injury of blunt trauma abdomen in rural population

Abstract

Background:Blunt trauma abdomen accounts for the majorities of abdominal injuries seen in emergency department. Majorities of blunt trauma abdomen cases (75%) are related to motor vehicle collision. The present study is conducted to study different organ injuries that are encountered in blunt injury to abdomen, the clinical manifestation, diagnostic approaches, and management of different organ injuries, associated morbidity and mortality and to improve our approach in reducing morbidity and mortality.

Methods: A total of 110 patients of blunt trauma abdomen were admitted in emergency of UP Rural Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Saifai Etawah, UP, India within 1 year. Out of these 110 patients, 100 consecutive cases having history of blunt trauma abdomen and with regard to etiologies, clinical manifestations, diagnostic modalities, management and complication were taken for study.

Results:Road traffic accidents were most common cause of blunt injury to abdomen (60%).  People in 5-40 years were more prone to trauma.  Males were predominantly involved. Pain abdomen was most common symptom (100%).  Tenderness (95%) is most common sign. Mean duration of hospital stay for operated cases was 16 days and for non-operated cases was 8.11 days. USG was 81% sensitive and 100% specific in diagnosing solid organ injury. Operative management was done in 60% cases. Mortality was 5%.

Conclusions:Injuries to solid organs are clinically difficult to diagnose. Repeated clinical examinations and use of appropriate diagnostic modalities holds the key in management. Non- operative management for solid organ injuries in a haemodynamically stable patient is a better option as there will be less hospital stay and less complication.