Case Report

Blunt Abdominal Trauma

Authors: J. DAVID RICHARDSON, MD, ROBERT P. BELIN, MD, WARD O. GRIFFEN JR., MD

Abstract

In this series of 420 patients sustaining blunt abdominal trauma, 209 had exploratory laparotomy and 23 (11%) died postoperatively. Concomitant head injuries or multiple intra-abdominal organ trauma were leading causes of these fatalities. Delay in diagnosis and treatment also was a significant factor in the mortality rate. The need for early surgical intervention cannot be overemphasized.

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References