Blunt abdominal injury: A review of 59 consecutive cases undergoing surgery

A consecutive series of 59 patients undergoing laparotomy as a result of blunt abdominal trauma is reported. Road-traffic accidents were the most common cause of blunt abdominal trauma and frequently produced a complex pattern of associated injuries. There were 8 deaths, giving a mortality-rate of 14 per cent. The number of associated injuries was the most important single factor influencing the mortality-rate. Delay in diagnosis occurred in 14 patients, and this may contribute to the high mortality-rate of blunt abdominal injury. A high index of suspicion, thorough and repeated clinical assessment, and willingness to resort to laparotomy are the main principles in the diagnosis of blunt abdominal injury.