Publication:

Traumatic gastrointestinal perforation following abdominal trauma: a study in tertiary care centre

Background The objective of this study was to determine the cause and anatomical distribution of traumatic gastrointestinal perforation and its management.

Methods A prospective study was conducted in the department of general surgery in a tertiary care centre that has round the clock availability of all radiological investigations. A total 100 cases of the patients presenting with traumatic gastrointestinal injuries were enrolled in the study.

Results Maximum number (52%) of patients were aged between 21-40 years of age with males to be the most vulnerable group. Most of the patients (86%) presented with blunt abdominal trauma. Road traffic accidents (RTA) (44%) and fall (42%) were the common causes of gastrointestinal injury. Most common site of injury was jejunum accounting for 66%. 72% of the patients underwent primary closure, 12% underwent resection anastomosis and 16% underwent ostomy.

Conclusions RTA forms the most common mode of gastrointestinal injury. Blunt abdominal trauma is more common than penetrating abdominal trauma. Jejunum is the most commonly injured in gastrointestinal trauma. Early diagnosis and management are the key to decrease mortality and morbidity.