Duodenal injuries

BACKGROUND

The worldwide increase in road traffic accidents and use of firearms has increased the incidence of duodenal trauma.

METHODS

The English language literature on duodenal trauma over the period 1970-1999 was reviewed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Upper gastrointestinal radiological studies and computed tomography may lead to the diagnosis of blunt duodenal trauma. Exploratory laparotomy remains the ultimate diagnostic test if a high suspicion of duodenal injury continues in the face of absent or equivocal radiographic signs. The majority of duodenal injuries may be managed by simple repair. More complicated injuries require more sophisticated techniques. High-risk duodenal injuries are followed by a high incidence of suture line dehiscence and they should be treated by duodenal diversion. Pancreaticoduodenectomy should be considered only if no alternative is available. 'Damage control' should precede definitive reconstruction.

Conservative management of penetrating torso trauma

Trauma has evolved as a specialty of its own over the past two decades, and has been the subject of much research and a huge number of trials, many of which are ongoing. As a result, it is now possible to apply an evidence-based practice to many trauma scenarios. The management of penetrating injuries to the chest or abdomen has traditionally followed a policy of emergency surgery as the first course of action. This has now shown to be unnecessary in many cases, particularly with the advances in diagnostic tests and imaging modalities. A large number of cases of penetrating torso trauma may require an operation at some stage, but obtaining the clearest diagnostic picture and optimizing the clinical condition of the patient before this undertaking will result in improved outcome. A selective approach to emergency surgery, with its attendant difficulties, is now recommended