Blunt trauma abdomen: a study of 63 cases

63 cases of blunt abdominal trauma were studied. It was more common in males and in the age group 21-30 years. Majority of the injuries were due to automobile accidents. Commonly presenting feature was pain abdomen and vomiting. Abdominal paracentesis revealed haemoperitoneum in 40 cases which was subsequently confirmed on laparotomy in all the cases. 40 cases had no visible external injury but subsequent laparotomy revealed internal visceral injury in 29 cases. Exploratory laparotomy was carried out in 43 cases, remaining were treated conservatively. Liver was found to be the commonest organ injured. Post operative complications developed in 5 cases and deaths occurred in 7 cases mainly due to associated extra-abdominal injuries, poor pre-operative general condition, delayed diagnosis and management. We conclude that a multipronged approach towards early diagnosis and vigorous management should be adopted to reduce the morbidity and mortality in patients with blunt abdominal trauma.