CLINICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH ABDOMINAL TRAUMA ADMITTED IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background: Among trauma cases, the third most common cause of death from trauma is abdominal injury. Urbanization and industrialization led to events of violence which have increased the incidence of abdominal injuries. These injuries are real emergencies and put an enormous strain on all concerned in its management. In spite of injuries being one of the important causes of injury and death, minuscule consideration has been given to its interventions, strategy to halt the occurrence of these injuries and the management of the sufferers. This study was conducted to highlight the trends of abdominal trauma and to determine the causes and injury patterns and their clinical profile. Aims & Objectives: To study the various organs injured in cases of abdominal trauma. Study various factors and clinical presentation in abdominal injuries. Material & Methods: Prospective observational study, carried out in the Department of General Surgery, SRTR GMC Ambejogai, Maharashtra, India. Detailed history regarding the site of trauma, nature of object assaulted the patient was inquired All the patients with suspected abdominal injury were examined thoroughly and baseline findings were recorded. All required investigation was carried out. Data were collected from case records and analyses was done with the help of Microsoft Excel. Result: During the study 100 cases were included and analyzed. 72% of cases of abdominal injury were of blunt abdominal trauma. The most common age group was between 21-30 years (54%). Almost 70% of cases reached the hospital within 5 hrs after injury. The most common organ injuries were the small intestine (28%) and Spleen (26%). Conclusion: Among the study group, patients were mostly from 21 to 30 years of age group. The blunt abdominal injury was the commonest type. Abdominal pain, vomiting and abdominal distension were the most common clinical findings. Small bowel and spleen were commonly injured organs. Chest injury was commonly involved in the associated injury. CT scan of the abdomen was the most sensitive organ to detect the exact nature of the intraabdominal injury.