Management of penetrating back trauma

The best management plan for patients with stab wounds of the posterior abdomen who have no obvious indication for operation is a selective one. Repeated physical examination is the mainstay of treatment, as indicated by many authors. Other special studies, such as DPL, angiography, intravenous pyelography, and contrast CT scanning, are indicated on a case-by-case basis, but as yet lack convincing justification for routine use.