A comparative study of blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma among patients admitted in RIMS, Ranchi

Aims & Objectives: To compare the outcome of penetrating trauma versus blunt abdominal trauma patients coming to emergency ward in RIMS, Ranchi. Methods: A total 50 cases of abdominal trauma were studied out of which 32 were of blunt trauma and 18 were of penetrating abdominal trauma. All underwent exploratory laparotomy and outcome of the cases were studied. Results: Penetrating injuries mostly led to early rush for hospital, early exploratory laparotomy and hence better prognosis. Patients who died in both groups had reached to the emergency department with much delay and had comorbid injuries much more than the surviving cases. 75% cases of blunt trauma had comorbid injuries leading to increased mortality whereas patients with no comorbid injuries had better prognosis. The strongest risk factor for mortality in all abdominal injury cases was delay in treatment followed by severity of injury. Presence of comorbid injuries, Revised Trauma Score (RTS) and haemoglobin level were other risk factors. Conclusion: Improved motor vehicle safety, rapid emergency transport, and rapid intervention will definitely help to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with this public health problem of abdominal trauma mostly caused by Road Traffic Accidents.