Non-operative management of blunt abdominal trauma. Is it safe and feasible in a district general hospital?

Successful non-operative management of multiple intra-abdominal solid organ injury after blunt abdominal trauma: a case report

Injuries to the solid abdominal viscera are common after blunt trauma. The success of non-operative management of these injuries has led to recent extensions of this approach to managing higher-grade, more complicated injuries that are typically treated operatively. We reported a 19-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain and gross hematuria during the late hours due to a motor vehicle accident. Abdominal computed tomography scan revealed moderate hemoperitoneum, extensively devascularized spleen with laceration extending into the hilum, multiple tears in the left kidney extended to the hilum, and large perinephric hematoma suggestive of Grade V injuries (shattered spleen and left kidney). We managed the patient non-operatively until he improved and became ready for discharge from the hospital in stable good health status. In conclusion, this case brings to light a unique instance where severe grade multiple solid organ injury was successfully managed with a conservative approach.

Assessment of Pattern of Abdominal Injury over a Two-Year Period at St Paul’s Hospital Millenium Medical College and AaBET Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study

Background. Globally, injury continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality both in developed and developing countries. Abdominal injuries are among the major causes of trauma admissions. This study aimed to assess patterns of abdominal injury at AaBET and St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College. Methods. A cross-sectional study was done on all adult patients who sustained abdominal injuries presented to the emergency department and managed at AaBET and St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College over a two-year period from January 2018 to December 2019. Results. A total of 165 abdominal injured patients presented during the study period. Among those patients, 140 (84.8%) were male, with a male-to-female ratio of 5.61. The mean age of patients was 29.3 years. 85 (51.5%) of the patients sustained penetrating injuries. 53 (32.1%) patients sustained road traffic accidents, 47 (32.1%) had stab injuries, and 34 (20.6%) had gunshots. Thirty-four (20.6%) of the patients were managed conservatively and 79.4% (n = 131) were managed surgically. The commonest complications found were shock (n = 20 (12.1%)), peritonitis (n = 18(10.9%)), HAP (n = 9 (5.5%)), and surgical site infection (n = 4 (2.4%)).The mortality rate was 3.6% (n = 6), of which 4 (67%) had the penetrating mechanism of injury. Conclusion. Abdominal trauma predominantly affects the male and economically productive age. The three main causes of abdominal injuries in this study were road traffic accidents, stab injuries, and gunshots, which require increased public awareness of the need to prevent road traffic accidents and to handle weapons and sharp items properly.

The role of focused assessment sonography for trauma (FAST) on the outcomes in patients with blunt abdominal trauma following non-operative therapy: A cohort study

Background

The non-operative management of blunt abdominal trauma had a high success rate and is expected to reduce the length of hospitalization and patients' morbidity. Here, we aim to evaluate the outcomes of patients with blunt abdominal trauma after non-operative management and associate them with prognostic factors.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis on patients with blunt abdominal trauma who received non-operative management (NOM) at our institution from April 2018 to April 2021.

Results

Two hundred eleven patients were included in this study who underwent non-operative management. Most of the subjects (73%) were males, with male to female ratio of 2.7:1. Most patients aged 20–29 years old (29.4%), FAST negative (62.1%), minor injured (45%), successfully managed nonoperatively (98.6%), received no transfusion (38.9%), and injured due to traffic accident (80.1%). ISS was significantly associated with FAST (p = 0.028), while male gender, NLR, PLR, and blood transfusion did not (p > 0.05). The presence of external injury was associated with FAST results (p = 0.039), while the head, facial, thoracic, pelvic, and skeletal injuries did not (p > 0.05). We also found a significant correlation between blood transfusion and patient survival with NOM outcomes (p = 0.047 and p = 0.041, respectively). Furthermore, external injury significantly correlated with NOM outcomes (p = 0.042). Multivariate analysis showed that external and pelvic injury was significantly associated with NOM outcomes (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.036, respectively).

Conclusions

The results of the FAST examination were not associated with the outcome of non-operative therapy. Moreover, the successful outcome of NOM might be affected by blood transfusions, the presence of external injuries, and pelvic injury.

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Non-operative management of blunt abdominal trauma had a high success rate.

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The results of the FAST examination will determine the patient's management.

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FAST examinations were not associated with the outcome of non-operative therapy.

Risk factors and management of different types of biliary injuries in blunt abdominal trauma: Single-center retrospective cohort study

Background

Biliary injuries after blunt abdominal traumas are uncommon and difficult to be predicted for early management. The aim of this study is to analyze the risk factors and management of biliary injuries with blunt abdominal trauma.

Method

Patients with blunt liver trauma in the period between 2009 to May 2019 were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups for comparison; a group of liver parenchymal injury and group with traumatic biliary injuries (TBI).

Results

One hundred and eight patients had blunt liver trauma (46 patients with liver parenchymal injury and 62 patients with TBI). TBI were; 55 patients with bile leak, 3 patients with haemobilia, and 4 patients with late obstructive jaundice. Eight patients with major bile leak and 12 patients with minor bile leak had been resolved with a surgical drain or percutaneous pigtail drainage. Nineteen patients (34.5%) with major and minor bile leak underwent successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Sixteen patients (29.1%) underwent surgical repair for bile leak. In Multivariate analysis, the possible risk factors for prediction of biliary injuries were central liver injuries (P = 0.032), high grades liver trauma (P = 0.046), elevated serum level of bilirubin at time of admission (P = 0.019), and elevated gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) at time of admission (P = 0.017).

Conclusion

High-grade liver trauma, central parenchymal laceration and elevated serum level of bilirubin and GGT are possible risk factors for the prediction of TBI. Bile leak after blunt trauma can be treated conservatively, while ERCP is indicated after failure of external drainage.

Risk factors and management of different types of biliary injuries in blunt abdominal trauma: Single-center retrospective cohort study

Background

Biliary injuries after blunt abdominal traumas are uncommon and difficult to be predicted for early management. The aim of this study is to analyze the risk factors and management of biliary injuries with blunt abdominal trauma.

Method

Patients with blunt liver trauma in the period between 2009 to May 2019 were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups for comparison; a group of liver parenchymal injury and group with traumatic biliary injuries (TBI).

Results

One hundred and eight patients had blunt liver trauma (46 patients with liver parenchymal injury and 62 patients with TBI). TBI were; 55 patients with bile leak, 3 patients with haemobilia, and 4 patients with late obstructive jaundice. Eight patients with major bile leak and 12 patients with minor bile leak had been resolved with a surgical drain or percutaneous pigtail drainage. Nineteen patients (34.5%) with major and minor bile leak underwent successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Sixteen patients (29.1%) underwent surgical repair for bile leak. In Multivariate analysis, the possible risk factors for prediction of biliary injuries were central liver injuries (P = 0.032), high grades liver trauma (P = 0.046), elevated serum level of bilirubin at time of admission (P = 0.019), and elevated gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) at time of admission (P = 0.017).

Conclusion

High-grade liver trauma, central parenchymal laceration and elevated serum level of bilirubin and GGT are possible risk factors for the prediction of TBI. Bile leak after blunt trauma can be treated conservatively, while ERCP is indicated after failure of external drainage.

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In most of the published series they discussed the iatrogenic biliary injuries or injuries after sharp trauma.

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To our knowledge it is the largest series to discuss the biliary injuries with blunt liver trauma.

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We can predict the possible risk factors for bile duct injury after blunt liver trauma.

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So we can diagnose and treat it properly and early before sepsis and biliary complications.

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We can approach to the ideal treatment modality for each type of biliary injuries with prober timing.

Safety of selective nonoperative management for blunt splenic trauma: the impact of concomitant injuries

Background

Nonoperative management for blunt splenic injury is the preferred treatment. To improve the outcome of selective nonoperative therapy, the current challenge is to identify factors that predict failure. Little is known about the impact of concomitant injury on outcome. Our study has two goals. First, to determine whether concomitant injury affects the safety of selective nonoperative treatment. Secondly we aimed to identify factors that can predict failure.

Methods

From our prospective trauma registry we selected all nonoperatively treated adult patients with blunt splenic trauma admitted between 01.01.2000 and 12.21.2013. All concurrent injuries with an AIS ≥ 2 were scored. We grouped and compared patients sustaining solitary splenic injuries and patients with concomitant injuries. To identify specific factors that predict failure we used a multivariable regression analysis.

Results

A total of 79 patients were included. Failure of nonoperative therapy (n = 11) and complications only occurred in patients sustaining concomitant injury. Furthermore, ICU-stay as well as hospitalization time were significantly prolonged in the presence of associated injury (4 versus 13 days,p < 0.05). Mortality was not seen. Multivariable analysis revealed the presence of a femur fracture and higher age as predictors of failure.

Conclusions

Nonoperative management for hemodynamically normal patients with blunt splenic injury is feasible and safe, even in the presence of concurrent (non-hollow organ) injuries or a contrast blush on CT. However, associated injuries are related to prolonged intensive care unit- and hospital stay, complications, and failure of nonoperative management. Specifically, higher age and the presence of a femur fracture are predictors of failure.

Safety of early ambulation following blunt abdominal solid organ injury: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

There is continued debate regarding the optimal period of bed-rest and in-hospital monitoring for non-operative management of solid organ injury following blunt trauma.

METHODS

Single center, prospective, observational study of blunt solid organ injuries from 07/2014-02/2016, managed initially without surgical or angiographic intervention. Early ambulation was defined as ≤24 h.

RESULTS

79 patients met inclusion criteria, with 36 (45.6%) in the early ambulation group and 43 (54.4%) in the late ambulation group. There were zero complications in the early ambulation group, and three complications in the late ambulation group (complications, p = 0.246; further interventions, p = 0.498). Median ICU LOS was zero days and three days for early vs. late ambulation, p = 0.001. Median total LOS was two days and five days for early vs. late ambulation, p < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

Early ambulation is safe in patients undergoing non-operative management of their solid organ injury, and may result in a reduced length of stay.

Management of Liver Trauma

In the last 30 years, the management of liver injury has evolved significantly. The advancement of imaging studies has played an important role in the conservative approach for management. A shift from operative to nonoperative management for most hemodynamically stable patients with hepatic injury has been prompted by speed and sensitivity of diagnostic imaging and by advances in critical care monitoring. In this review article, the up-to-date recommendation on the management approach of liver trauma will be discussed.

Definition of hemodynamic stability in blunt trauma patients: a systematic review and assessment amongst Dutch trauma team members

INTRODUCTION

Trauma is a great contributor to mortality worldwide. One of the challenges in trauma care is early identification and management of bleeding. The circulatory status of blunt trauma patients in the emergency room is evaluated using hemodynamic (HD) parameters. However, there is no consensus on which parameters to use. In this study, we evaluate the used terms and definitions in the literature for HD stability and compare those to the opinion of Dutch trauma team members.

METHOD

A systematic review was performed to collect the definitions used for HD stability. Studies describing the assessment and/or treatment of blunt trauma patients in the emergency room were included. In addition, an online survey was conducted amongst Dutch trauma team members.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 222, 67 articles were found to be eligible for inclusion. HD stability was defined in 70% of these articles. The most used parameters were systolic blood pressure and heart rate. Besides the variety of parameters, a broad range of corresponding cut-off points is noted. Despite some common ground, high inter- and intra-variability is seen for the physicians that are part of the Dutch trauma teams.

CONCLUSION

All authors acknowledge HD stability as the most important factor in the assessment and management of blunt trauma patients. There is, however, no consensus in the literature as well as none-to-fair consensus amongst Dutch trauma team members in the definition of HD stability. A trauma team ready to co-operate with consensus-based opinions together with a valid scoring system is in our opinion the best method to assess and treat seriously injured trauma patients.

Blunt traumatic diaphragmatic injury: A diagnostic enigma with potential surgical pitfalls

BACKGROUND

Blunt traumatic diaphragmatic injury (BTDI) is an uncommon injury and one which is difficult to diagnose. The objective of this study was to identify features associated with this injury.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study based on records of 354307 blunt trauma victims treated between 1998 and 2013 collected by the Israeli National Trauma Registry.

RESULTS

BTDI was reported in 231 (0.065%) patients. Motor vehicle accidents were responsible for 84.4% of the injuries: 97 (42.0%) were reported as drivers; 54 (23.4%) were passengers; 34 (14.7%) were pedestrians hit by cars; and 10 (4.3%) were on motorcycles. There were more males than females (2.5:1) compared with blunt trauma patients without BTDI (p<.001). Patients with BTDI were significantly younger than blunt trauma patients without BTDI (p<.001). ISS was 9-14 in 5.2%, 16-24 in 16.9%, 25-75 in 77.9%. Urgent surgery was performed in 62% of the patients and 79.7% had surgery within 24h of admission. Mortality was 26.8%. Over 40% of patients with BTDI had associated rib, pelvic and/or extremity injuries. Over 30% had associated spleen, liver and/or lung injuries. Nevertheless, less than 1% of patients with skeletal injuries and less than 2.5% with solid organ injuries overall had associated BTDI. Despite hollow viscus injury being less prevalent, up to 6% of patients with this injury had associated BTDI.

CONCLUSIONS

BTDI is infrequent following blunt trauma. Hollow viscus injuries were more predictive of BTDI than skeletal or solid organ injuries.

How Does the Severity of Injury Vary between Motorcycle and Automobile Accident Victims Who Sustain High-Grade Blunt Hepatic and/or Splenic Injuries? Results of a Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

High-grade blunt hepatic and/or splenic injuries (BHSI) remain a great challenge for trauma surgeons. The main aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics, mortality rates, and outcomes of high-grade BHSI in motorcyclists and car occupants hospitalized for treatment of traumatic injuries in a Level I trauma center in southern Taiwan.

METHODS

High-grade BHSI are defined as grade III-VI blunt hepatic injuries and grade III-V blunt splenic injuries. This retrospective study reviewed the data of 101 motorcyclists and 32 car occupants who experienced a high-grade BHSI from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2013. Two-sided Fisher's exact or Pearson's chi-square tests were used to compare categorical data, unpaired Student's t-test was used to analyze normally distributed continuous data, and Mann-Whitney's U test was used to compare non-normally distributed data.

RESULTS

In this study, the majority (76%, 101/133) of high-grade BHSI were due to motorcycle crashes. Car occupants had a significantly higher injury severity score (ISS; 26.8 ± 10.9 vs. 20.7 ± 10.4, respectively, p = 0.005) and organ injured score (OIS; 3.8 ± 1.0 vs. 3.4 ± 0.6, respectively, p = 0.033), as well as a significantly longer hospital length of stay (LOS; 21.2 days vs. 14.6 days, respectively, p = 0.038) than did motorcyclists. Car occupants with high-grade BHSI also had worse clinical presentations than their motorcyclist counterparts, including a significantly higher incidence of hypotension, hyperpnea, tube thoracostomy, blood transfusion >4 units, LOS in intensive care unit >5 days, and complications. However, there were no differences in the percentage of angiography or laparotomy performed or mortality rate between these two groups of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that car occupants with high-grade BHSI were injured more severely, had a higher incidence of worse clinical presentation, had a longer hospital LOS, and had a higher incidence of complications than motorcyclists. The results also implied that specific attention should be paid to those car occupants with high-grade BHSI, whose critical condition should not be underestimated because of the concept that the patients within in a car are much safer.

Study of the occurrence of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in patients of blunt abdominal trauma and its correlation with the clinical outcome in the above patients

Background

Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurements have been identified as essential for diagnosis and management of both intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). It has gained prominent status in ICUs worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the utility of measurement of rise in bladder pressure to assess IAP levels in blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) patients.

Patients and methods

Thirty patients of BAT with solid organ injuries were included in this study. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured through a Foleys bladder catheter throughout their stay. Bladder pressure was compared with clinical parameters like mean arterial pressures(MAP), respiratory rate(RR), serum creatinine(SC) and abdominal girth(AG) and also with outcome in terms of intervention whether operative(OI) or non-operative(NOI).

Results

Bladder pressure showed significant correlation with MAP (R = −0.418; P = 0.022), AG (R = 0.755; P = 0.000), SC (R = 0.689; P = 0.000) and RR (R = 0.537; P = 0.002). Bladder pressure (R = 0.851; P = 0.000), SC (R = 0.625; P = 0.000), MAP (R = −0.350; P = 0.058) and maximum AG difference (R = 0.634; P = 0.000) showed significant correlation with intervention. In total, 17 patients (56 %) required intervention, 9 patients (30 %) underwent NOI (pigtailing or aspiration) while 8 (27 %) needed OI. More than 3 derailed parameters were associated with 100 % intervention (Mean 3.47, SD-1.23). High APACHE III score on admission (>40) was associated with increased intervention (p = 0.001). Intervention correlates well with Grade of injury (p = 0.000) and not with number of organs injured (p = 0.061). Blood transfusion of 2 or more units of blood was associated with increased intervention (p = 0.000).

Conclusion

Increased bladder pressure and other clinical parameters (MAP, SC, RR and change in AG) correlates well with intervention. Elevated bladder pressure correlates well with other clinical parameters in patients with BAT. Bladder pressure, SC, MAP, RR and AG difference can be used to determine the group of patients that can be managed conservatively and those that would benefit with minimal intervention or exploration. During Non-operative management (NOM) of patients with BAT and multiple solid organ injuries, IAP monitoring may be a simple and objective guideline to suggest further intervention whether NOI or OI. Although routine bladder pressure measurements will result in unnecessary monitoring of large number of patients it is hoped that patients with IAH can be detected early and subsequent ACS with morbid abdominal exploration can be prevented. However the criterion for non-operative failure and the point of decompression needs further refinement to prevent an increase of nontherapeutic operations.

Non-operative management versus operative management in high-grade blunt hepatic injury

BACKGROUND

Surgery used to be the treatment of choice in cases of blunt hepatic injury, but this approach gradually changed over the last two decades as increasing non-operative management (NOM) of splenic injury led to its use for hepatic injury. The improvement in critical care monitoring and computed tomographic scanning, as well as the more frequent use of interventional radiology techniques, has helped to bring about this change to non-operative management. Liver trauma ranges from a small capsular tear, without parenchymal laceration, to massive parenchymal injury with major hepatic vein/retrohepatic vena cava lesions. In 1994, the Organ Injury Scaling Committee of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) revised the Hepatic Injury Scale to have a range from grade I to VI. Minor injuries (grade I or II) are the most frequent liver injuries (80% to 90% of all cases); severe injuries are grade III-V lesions; grade VI lesions are frequently incompatible with survival. In the medical literature, the majority of patients who have undergone NOM have low-grade liver injuries. The safety of NOM in high-grade liver lesions, AAST grade IV and V, remains a subject of debate as a high incidence of liver and collateral extra-abdominal complications are still described.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of non-operative management compared to operative management in high-grade (grade III-V) blunt hepatic injury.

SEARCH METHODS

The search for studies was run on 14 April 2014. We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group's Specialised Register, The Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE(R), Ovid MEDLINE(R) In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE(R) Daily and Ovid OLDMEDLINE(R), Embase Classic+Embase (Ovid), PubMed, ISI WOS (SCI-EXPANDED, SSCI, CPCI-S & CPSI-SSH), clinical trials registries, conference proceedings, and we screened reference lists.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised trials that compare non-operative management versus operative management in high-grade blunt hepatic injury.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently applied the selection criteria to relevant study reports. We used standard methodological procedures as defined by the Cochrane Collaboration.

MAIN RESULTS

We were unable to find any randomised controlled trials of non-operative management versus operative management in high-grade blunt hepatic injury.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In order to further explore the preliminary findings provided by animal models and observational clinical studies that suggests there may be a beneficial effect of non-operative management versus operative management in high-grade blunt hepatic injury, large, high quality randomised trials are needed.

Abdominal injuries in a low trauma volume hospital--a descriptive study from northern Sweden

BACKGROUND

Abdominal injuries occur relatively infrequently during trauma, and they rarely require surgical intervention. In this era of non-operative management of abdominal injuries, surgeons are seldom exposed to these patients. Consequently, surgeons may misinterpret the mechanism of injury, underestimate symptoms and radiologic findings, and delay definite treatment. Here, we determined the incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of traumatic abdominal injuries at our hospital to provide a basis for identifying potential hazards in non-operative management of patients with these injuries in a low trauma volume hospital.

METHODS

This retrospective study included prehospital and in-hospital assessments of 110 patients that received 147 abdominal injuries from an isolated abdominal trauma (n = 70 patients) or during multiple trauma (n = 40 patients). Patients were primarily treated at the University Hospital of Umeå from January 2000 to December 2009.

RESULTS

The median New Injury Severity Score was 9 (range: 1-57) for 147 abdominal injuries. Most patients (94%) received computed tomography (CT), but only 38% of patients with multiple trauma were diagnosed with CT < 60 min after emergency room arrival. Penetrating trauma caused injuries in seven patients. Solid organ injuries constituted 78% of abdominal injuries. Non-operative management succeeded in 82 patients. Surgery was performed for 28 patients, either immediately (n = 17) as result of operative management or later (n = 11), due to non-operative management failure; the latter mainly occurred with hollow viscus injuries. Patients with multiple abdominal injuries, whether associated with multiple trauma or an isolated abdominal trauma, had significantly more non-operative failures than patients with a single abdominal injury. One death occurred within 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-operative management of patients with abdominal injuries, except for hollow viscus injuries, was highly successful in our low trauma volume hospital, even though surgeons receive low exposure to these patients. However, a growing proportion of surgeons lack experience in decision-making and performing trauma laparotomies. Quality assurance programmes must be emphasized to ensure future competence and quality of trauma care at low trauma volume hospitals.

Determinants of Successful Non-Operative Management of Intra- Peritoneal Bleeding Following Blunt Abdominal Trauma

OBJECTIVES

 To identify the  predictive factors of successful non-operative  management  of patients  with intraperitoneal bleeding following blunt abdominal trauma.

METHODS

This was cross-sectional study being performed in our Level I trauma center in southern  Iran between 2010 and 2011. We included adult (>14 years) patients with blunt  abdominal trauma  and intra-peritoneal hemorrhage  detected by CT-Scan who were hemodynamically stable and did not  require any surgical intervention. Patients were managed conservatively in ICU. Those who required laparotomy during the study period were named as non-operative  management failure (NOM-F) while the other were non- operative management success (NOM-S). The baseline, clinical and laboratory characteristics were compared between two study groups in order to detect the predictors of successful NOM of intra-peritoneal bleeding.

RESULTS

Overall we included 80 eligible patients among whom there were 55 (68.7%) men and 25 (31.3%) women with mean  age of 30.63.6± years. Finally, 43 (53.8%) were successfully managed conservatively (NOM-S) while 37 (46.2%) required laparotomy (NOM-F). We found that those who underwent emergency laparotomy had significantly higher ĘHb (p=0.016) and lower base deficit (p=0.005) when compared to those who were successfully managed conservatively. Those who required surgical intervention had significantly lower baseline systolic blood pressure (p<0.001) and higher shock index (p=0.002). The other parameters such as pulse rate and respiratory rate were comparable between two study groups.

CONCLUSION

In patients with intra-peritoneal bleeding following blunt abdominal trauma, the most reliable predictive clinical and para-clinical factor of successful non-operative  management  are shock index and systolic blood pressure on arrival, base deficit and hemoglobin drop within first 12 hours of admission.

Non operative management of abdominal trauma - a 10 years review

INTRODUCTION

Due to high rate of operative mortality and morbidity non-operative management of blunt liver and spleen trauma was widely accepted in stable pediatric patients, but the general surgeons were skeptical to adopt it for adults. The current study is analysis of so far largest sample (1071) of hemodynamically stable blunt liver, spleen, kidney and pancreatic trauma patients managed non operatively irrespective of severity of a single /multiple solid organ injury or other associated injuries with high rate of success.

METHODS

Experience of 1071 blunt abdominal trauma patients treated by NOM at a tertiary care National Trauma Centre in Oman (from Jan 2001 to Dec 2011) was reviewed, analyzed to determine the indications, methods and results of NOM. Hemodynamic stability along with ultra sound, CT scan and repeated clinical examination were the sheet anchors of NOM. The patients were grouped as (1) managed by NOM successfully, (2) failure of NOM and (3) directly subjected to surgery.

RESULTS

During the 10 year period, 5400 polytrauma patients were evaluated for abdominal trauma of which 1285 had abdominal injuries, the largest sample study till date. Based on initial findings 1071 patients were admitted for NOM. Out of 1071 patients initially selected 963 (89.91%) were managed non operatively, the remaining 108 (10.08%) were subjected to laparotomy due to failure of NOM. Laparotomy was performed on 214(19.98%) patients as they were unstable on admission or had evidence of hollow viscous injury.

CONCLUSION

NOM for blunt abdominal injuries was found to be highly successful in 89.98% of the patients in our study. Management depended on clinical and hemodynamic stability of the patient. A patient under NOM should be admitted to intensive care / high dependency for at least 48-72 hours for close monitoring of vital signs, repeated clinical examinations and follow up investigations as indicated.

Abdominal trauma: from operative to nonoperative management

The nonoperative care of intraabdominal trauma in the polytraumatised patient greatly depends on imaging techniques. The haemodynamically unstable patient should undergo expedient sonography to rule out abdominal haemorrhage. The use of computer tomography (CT) in this difficult patient group is also currently evaluated, however it takes specific amendments to the protocol and institution. In the hemodynamically stable patient however, computer tomography is the modality of choice to evaluate the injured abdomen. Nonoperative treatment can be successful in up to 80% of selected cases. Adjuncts to nonoperative care include embolisation of the spleen and liver in cases of arterial bleeding, and endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreaticography (ERCP) and stenting for injuries to the biliary tree.