Traumatic duodenal injuries: an analysis of 32 cases

Thirty-two patients were treated for duodenal and associated injuries during the past five years. Fifty-nine per cent resulted from penetrating trauma, while 41 per cent were secondary to blunt injury. The incidence of blunt trauma represents a fourfold increase from previously published series. The morbidity rate still remains high at 47 per cent, with fistulas and infections being the most common complications. The mortality rate was 9.3 per cent, with death resulting from major intra-abdominal vascular injuries. Awareness of the potential injury to the duodenum, aggressive resuscitative measures, early operative management and improved postoperative care can lead to further reduction of these figures.