Two Decades of Evolution in Abdominal Trauma Surgery: Trends, Outcomes, and Implications From an Australian Level 1 Trauma Centre

Key Points

• This research aims to analyze the evolution of abdominal trauma surgery practices over two decades.
• Analyzed data from an Australian Level 1 Trauma Centre over a 20-year period
• Reviewed trends in emergency trauma laparotomies and non-operative strategies
• Investigated implications for trauma system operations
• Emergency trauma laparotomies significantly declined despite increased trauma volume
• Greater use of selective non-operative and endovascular strategies was observed
• Findings raise concerns about the preparedness of trauma systems for operative intervention