Role of repeat computerized tomography in nonoperative management of solid organ trauma

Nonoperative management (NOM) of blunt spleen and liver trauma is currently well accepted. CT imaging is helpful in selecting treatment options and to evaluate resolution of solid organ trauma. This 8-year study was undertaken to assess the role of repeat CT scans in NOM by analyzing indications of surgery in NOM failures. NOM was undertaken in 221 patients with spleen/liver trauma. After initial CT scans, 82 (37%) scans were repeated in 65 patients. There was failure of NOM (NOMF) in 11 patients. Follow-up imaging was done prior to delayed surgery in 4 (36%) patients, 4.9 per cent of repeat scans. Two of these patients had hemodynamic instability and, in the other two, there were clinical signs of peritonitis. The remaining seven patients had delayed surgery due to hemodynamic instability. There is a limited role of repeat CT scans in NOM of spleen and liver trauma. Repeat CT should be done more liberally in patients with suspected intestinal and mesenteric trauma, unexplained blood loss, complex hepato-biliary trauma, and in patients with neurological or pharmacological paralysis.