SMALL BOWEL INJURIES

FREQUENCY AND PATTERN IN ABDOMINAL TRAUMA

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the frequency and pattern of small bowel
injuries in blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma. Design: A descriptive study. Setting: Nishtar Hospital Multan
Period: From January 2002 to September 2003. Material & Methods: 100 patients presenting with abdominal trauma
were included in the study. After receiving patient in emergency ward, proper resuscitation measures were made
according to ATLS guidelines. After that proper history was taken and appropriate investigations were carried out and
separate file was maintained for each patient. All patients with blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma were included
in the study. The final decision was made on laparotomy. Only those patients having small bowel injuries were included
in the study, rest were excluded. Results: In this study 33 patients were presented with blunt abdominal trauma. 6
(18%) patients had duodenal injuries, 11(33%) had jejunal injuries, 16(48%) had ileal injuries and 7(21%) had
mesenteric injuries. 67 cases presented with penetrating trauma. 42 (62%) were due to firearm and 25(38%) were due
to stab wound, duodenal injuries were in 12 cases (16%), ileum 32(47%), jejunum 24(35%) and mesenteric injuries in
18 cases (26%).