Traumatic abdominal injuries: our experience at rural tertiary care center

Abstract

Background:The mechanism of injury of abdominal trauma varies in different parts of the world and within same country. Aim of this study was to determine the aetiology of abdominal trauma, evaluate the factors affecting morbidity and mortality in our region.

Methods: This prospective descriptive study was conducted in department of surgery at a tertiary care teaching hospital at Solapur from June 2013 to June 2015. All the patients, regardless of age & gender, admitted with diagnosis of abdominal trauma were included in the study. Depending upon the type of injury, either conservative or operative treatment was carried out. Postoperatively patients were followed up for detection of complications and treatment.

Results:Total 50 patients of abdominal trauma were studied. Blunt trauma was more common than penetrating trauma. Mean age was 29.3 years with male to female ratio 2.6:1. 21 to 30 years was the commonest age group involved. Spleen was the most commonly injured solid organ while small bowel was the most commonly injured hollow viscous. RTA and stab injury were the commonest cause for blunt & penetrating abdominal trauma respectively. Wound infection was the commonest postoperative complication. Mortality was more in blunt trauma

Conclusions:RTA (Road traffic accident) and stab injury were the commonest cause for blunt & penetrating abdominal trauma respectively. Spleen was the most commonly injured solid organ while small bowel was the most commonly injured hollow viscous in our study. Delayed presentation, associated co-morbidities, increases the morbidity and mortality in these patients.