Blunt Abdominal Trauma With Hollow Viscus and Mesenteric Injury: A Prospective Study of 50 Cases

Introduction Hollow viscus injury following blunt abdominal trauma is an infrequent diagnosis. Blunt hollow viscus and mesenteric injury (HVMI) is not only an uncommon finding but its timely diagnosis is also difficult. Due to its less frequency, this injury has not been studied in detail prospectively. Aims and objectives The aim of this study is to determine the causes, pattern, management, and outcome of HVMI following blunt abdominal trauma. Methodology This study was conducted from January 2015 to June 2016 in a high-volume tertiary care trauma center and teaching hospital in North India. All patients with blunt HVMI admitted during this period were included in this study. Data were collected regarding medical history, physical findings, demographics, injury dates and times, laboratory results, diagnostic tests, delay in surgical intervention, type of surgical procedure performed, site of injury, complications, and mortality. Results Out of a total of 6,570 trauma admissions, 465 blunt abdominal injuries were identified, and HVMI was found only in 50 patients. The small bowel was the most common injury, with the jejunum being the most commonly involved segment. All patients were managed surgically. The mean time to operative intervention after hospital admission was 4.5 hours (IQR: 2-8 hours). Primary repair was performed in 54% of patients. Mortality rate was high in patients with HVMI (22% patients). Septic shock was the most common cause of death. Conclusion Hollow viscus injury in blunt abdominal trauma is not so common finding. Early diagnosis and treatment is an important but difficult task. Prognosis depends on age, associated injuries, co-morbid conditions, and delay in operative intervention.