[The blunt pancreatic trauma]

A personal observation prompted study of the diagnosis and treatment of blunt trauma to pancreas. By comparison of the differing therapeutic approaches of various authors, an attempt was made to establish guidelines for optimal management of this lesion. Therapeutic considerations suggest a division of pancreas lesions into three groups: I. lesions to the left of the spine, II. lesions to the right of the spine, and III. ruptures of the neck. Each group calls for a different surgical procedure. Operative tactics involve three essential steps: 1. meticulous hemostasis, 2. management of the parenchymal lesion, and 3. efficient suction drainage.