Pattern, Management, and Outcomes of Blunt Abdominal Trauma: A Single Tertiary Care Center Retrospective Study
Raad Fadhel Al RubaeyAbstract
Background:
Blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Objectives:
This study aimed to analyze the demographic patterns, management strategies, and outcomes of patients with BAT at Hilla Teaching Hospital.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted of 4362 patients with BAT between January 2020 and December 2023. Data regarding demographics, injury mechanisms, management approaches, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the differences between sexes and age groups.
Results:
Among 4362 patients, 225 were identified with BAT, accounting for 5.2% of the total number of cases. The majority were male (71.1%), and road traffic accidents were the leading cause (80%). The age distribution showed that 91.1% of the cases occurred in individuals aged 15–45 years. Explorative laparotomy was performed in 46.7% of cases, with a negative exploration rate of 17.1%. Postoperative mortality was observed in 11.4% of cases, mainly due to associated cranial injuries (58.3%). The initial complications included surgical wound infections (17.1%) and pneumonia (7.6%), whereas delayed complications, including incisional hernias, were notable in 5.7% of patients.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the necessity for targeted preventive interventions and improved management procedures for BAT, mostly among young males involved in road traffic incidents. The low rate of BAT in Iraq compared to that in adjacent states suggests potential underreporting or modifications in healthcare access. Additional research is crucial to enhance trauma care systems and to improve postoperative outcomes in various populations.