Management and Outcome of Bowel Injuries Following Blunt Abdominal Trauma

Abstract

Background: Bowel injuries resulting from blunt abdominal trauma represent a significant medical challenge, requiring prompt and comprehensive management to ensure favorable outcomes for affected patients. Timely identification of bowel injury is of paramount importance and is a difficult task. Objective: To determine the frequency and management outcome of bowel injury in patients with blunt abdominal trauma presenting to a tertiary care hospital at Jamshoro Hyderabad. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Settings: Department of surgery, Liaquat University of medical and health sciences, Jamshoro Hyderabad Pakistan. Duration: From December 2021 to November 2022. Methods: All patients aged 18 years to 70 years of either gender with blunt abdominal trauma presented within 48 hours of injury were consecutively enrolled. Based on peritonism symptoms, the patient's hemodynamic condition, and radiological evidence, the diagnosis of bowel and mesentery damage was determined. Standard of care was provided to all patients and managed in consultation with the experienced Surgeons. Post procedure patients were followed till discharged and outcome in terms of discharged or mortality was noted. Results: The mean age of the patients was 43.64 years. Males were higher as compared to females, i.e., 37 (52.9%) and 33 (47.1%) respectively. Road traffic accident was the most common cause of injury in 40 (57.1%) patients. 26 (37.1%) cases underwent surgical management. Bowel injury was observed in 12 (17.1%) patients and out of this mortality rate was 5 (41.7%). Higher mortality was observed among patients under 45 years old and those who underwent surgical treatment (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in mortality based on gender (p=0.408). Conclusion: The bowel injury in patients with blunt abdominal trauma was found to be approximately 17.1%, while a higher mortality rate was observed among these individuals.