Use of computed tomography in the initial evaluation of anterior abdominal stab wounds

The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of computed tomography (CT) to facilitate initial management decisions in patients with anterior abdominal stab wounds.

A retrospective review was conducted of patients with anterior abdominal stab wounds who underwent CT over 4.5 years. Any abnormality suspicious for intra-abdominal injury was considered a positive finding on CT.

Ninety-eight patients met the study's inclusion criteria. Positive findings on CT were noted in 30 patients (31%), leading to operative intervention in 67%. Injuries were confirmed in 95% of cases, but only 70% were therapeutic. Ten patients had nonoperative management despite positive findings on CT, including 5 patients with solid organ injuries. One patient underwent operative intervention for clinical deterioration, with negative findings. No computed tomographic evidence of injury was noted in the remaining 68 patients (69%), but 1 patient was noted to have a splenic injury while undergoing operative evaluation of the diaphragm. All remaining patients were treated nonoperatively with success.

In patients with anterior abdominal stab wounds, CT should be considered to facilitate initial management decisions, as it has the ability to delineate abnormalities suspicious for injury.