Trauma, or injury, is defined as cellular disruption caused by an exchange with environmental energy that is beyond the body's resilience. The abdomen is frequently injured after both blunt and penetrating trauma. Trauma is the leading cause of death between the ages of 1 and 44 years. In all age groups, it is surpassed only by cancer and atherosclerosis in mortality. The evaluation and treatment of abdominal injuries are critical components in the management of severely injured trauma patients. Because missed intra-abdominal injuries are a frequent cause of preventable trauma related deaths, a high index of suspicion is warranted.

Multiple factors, including the mechanism of injury, the body region injured, the patient's hemodynamic and neurologic status, associated injuries, and institutional resources influence the diagnostic approach and the outcome of abdominal injuries. Motor vehicle accidents account for 75 to 80% of blunt abdominal trauma. Approximately 25% of all trauma victims will require abdominal exploration. Blunt injury of abdomen is also a result of fall from height, assault with blunt objects, industrial mishaps, sport injuries. Blunt abdominal trauma is usually not obvious. Hence often missed, unless, repeatedly looked for. The knowledge in the management of blunt abdominal trauma has progressively increased.

Non operative management (NOM) for blunt abdominal trauma was found to be highly successful and safe. Management by NOM depends on clinical and hemodynamic stability of the patient, after definitive indications for laparotomy are excluded. A patient under NOM should be admitted to ICU for at least 48-72 hours for close monitoring of vital signs and repeated clinical examinations. NOM to be terminated if patient develops hemo-dynamic instability and appearance of newperitoneal signs due to delayed hollow viscous or missed injuries.44

In view of increasing number of vehicles and consequently road traffic accidents, this dissertation has been chosen to study the cases of blunt abdominal trauma with reference to the patients presenting at MNR medical college & hospital, Sangareddy.

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Dr Lakshmi Dharanidhar Reddy Vangala

Dept of Surgery, MNR Medical College and Hospital, Fasalwadi, Sangareddy, Telangana Pin: 502001

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Ph: +919030504585