BLUNT ABDOMINAL TRAUMA IN CHILDREN WITH SOLID ORGANS INJURIES; EXPERIENCE IN 24 CASES

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Pediatric Surgery Unit, Alexandria Faculty of Medicine, Egypt

2 Pediatric Surgery Unit, Dallah Hospital, Riyadh, KSA

Abstract

Aim: Although operative-management was the standard for blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) in children, recently a non-surgical approach was recommended for pediatric solid-organs-injuries. 
Methods: To determine the role of conservative approach in BAT children, we retrospectively analyze the data of children with (BAT) & solid-organs-injuries managed by the authors over 4 years. 
Results: From December/2000 through December/2004, 24 children with (BAT) & solid- organs-injuries were managed. Injury mechanisms were road-traffic-accidents (RTA) in 19 (79%), sport-related in 4 (17%) and falling-from-height in 1(4%). The spleen was injured in 13 (54%); the liver in 12 (50%), the kidneys in 3 (13%), and the adrenal-glands in 2 (8%). Thirteen cases were managed conservatively (53%), and 11 operatively (47%). Operations for the spleen (6) included, splenectomy in 3 (50%), partial splenectomy in 2 (33%) and splenorraphy in 1(17%), for the liver (6), suturing tears in 4 (67%) and perihepatic packing in 2 (33%). Four children (17%) died from their injuries; (2) severe chest-injuries, (1) spinal-fracture, and (1) severe liver-injury. 
Conclusions: Children with BAT & solid-organs injuries can be treated without surgery if the decision is based-on their hemodynamicstatus& response to resuscitation. Management in pediatric-trauma-centers, with the involvement of pediatric surgeons gives the best 
outcome. 

Keywords

The Egyptian Journal of Surgery
Volume 24, Issue 2
April 2005
Pages 115-118

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