Diagnosis and treatment of 34 cases of blunt duodenal injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experience on diagnosis and treatment of blunt duodenal injuries, and thus to improve the therapeutic skills. METHODS: Clinical data of 34 cases of blunt duodenal injuries admitted to our hospital from 1990 to 2006 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Among them, 28 cases were cured, 20 cases presented with complications, and 6 cases died. The causes of death were: duodenal or pancreatic fistula in 2 cases, intra-and retroperitoneal infection complicating septicopyemia in 2, disseminated intravascular coagulation in 1 and multiple organ failure in 1. CONCLUSIONS: Misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis predispose to happen for blunt duodenal injuries. Early recognition and surgical intervention are critical to a successful rescue.