Intestinal disruption due to blunt abdominal trauma

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Blunt abdominal trauma presents a significant challenge in emergency medicine.
• Intestinal disruptions, including perforations, can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of intestinal disruptions from blunt abdominal trauma.
• To highlight diagnostic challenges and emphasize the importance of timely surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 23 patients with 31 intestinal disruptions.
• Analysis of injury types, etiologic agents, diagnostic methods, treatment delays, associated traumas, surgical corrections, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• The small intestine, particularly the proximal jejunum (18 cases) and duodenum (9 cases), was most frequently affected.
• Automobile accidents were the most common cause of injury.
• Four deaths and six complications were reported.
• Repeated physical examinations are vital for diagnosis, as routine tests for duodenal injury are unreliable.

Conclusions:

• Intestinal disruptions from blunt trauma require prompt diagnosis and surgical repair for secure outcomes.
• Associated severe injuries often dictate patient survival.
• Exploration of retroperitoneal hematomas around the duodenum is recommended.
• Prophylactic antibiotics are advised.