Blunt trauma abdomen - A comprehensive study in PMCH, Patna

Background: 1.2 million die every year in road traffic accidents in the world. Abdominal trauma forms an important component of surgical emergencies. It is one of the leading causes of death and disability. The victims are mostly young adults and in the prime of their life. Various mode of Blunt injury abdomen, varied mode of presentation and diagnostic challenges that blunt injury abdomen poses forms a fascinating subject to study. Objectives: To study various aetiologies of blunt trauma abdomen and their outcomes in term of morbidity and mortality. Methods: 50 cases of blunt trauma abdomen admitted to emergency surgical ward of PMCH, Patna were selected for study. After resuscitation patient were subjected to clinical examination and investigation. Based on above patient were taken either for surgery or conservative management. Operative findings were noted and follow-up of the patients was done till discharge from hospital. Results: The majority of the cases belonged to 21-30 years age group (40%). Road Traffic Accident (RTA) constituted the majority of the cases (70%). Spleen was found to be the most common organ injured (30%) followed by liver (20%). The mean stays of patient ranged from 10-19 days. The mortality rate was 20% in this study. Conclusion: Road traffic accident is the commonest cause of the BTA with male predominance of 3:1. People in age group of 3rd and 4th decade was common. Spleen was the most common solid organ injured followed by liver. Hypovolemic shock due to bleeding and sepsis contributes to the major cause of death.