An epidemiological study on abdominal blunt trauma in Pour-Sina Hospital, 1994-96

Objective: Trauma is the third leading cause of deaths in developed countries. Treatment costs are more than those of total expenditures on cancer and cardio-vascular diseases, and abdominal trauma accounts for 20% of events in urban areas. Methods: In a descriptive retrospective study to determine the demographic and pathologic features of patients with abdominal blunt trauma attended the emergency department of an educational and treatment center in Rasht, the medical records of 154 patients eligible for participation in the study were examined. Sex and age distribution of patients was determined, and mechanism of injury to the patients was specified. Diagnosis procedures used were determined and their diagnostic value was compared with positive findings during the surgical operation. Findings: Frequency of injury to each intra-abdominal organ was measured. Ratio of males to females was 3:1. Accidents by motor vehicles have accounted for nearly 7/8 of the total cases. Ratio of females undergone with abdominal blunt injury to total females affected was more than the similar ratio in males. Mean age of females was less than that of males affected. Conclusion: Diagnostic value of physical examination alone in early diagnosis of abdominal blunt lesions was equivalent with diagnosis through physical examination and lavage of peritoneum. Diagnostic value of using ultrasonography and/or CT scan with peritoneum was greater than all other procedures. The highest frequency was seen in spleen and liver and the least was seen in urethra, inferior vena cava and decollement of placenta