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East and Central African Journal of Surgery
Association of Surgeons of East Africa and College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa
ISSN: 1024-297X EISSN: 1024-297X
Vol. 18, No. 1, 2013, pp. 40-47
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Bioline Code: js13006
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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East and Central African Journal of Surgery, Vol. 18, No. 1, 2013, pp. 40-47
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The Pattern of Abdominal Trauma as Seen at Muhimbili National Hospital Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Nyongole, O.V.; Akoko, L.O.; Njile, I.E.; Mwanga, A.H. & Lema, L.E.
Abstract
Background:
Abdominal trauma is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in all
age groups in the world. However, identifying serious intra-abdominal pathology due to
trauma can be a challenge. Mechanisms of injury often result in other associated injuries that
may divert the physician's attention from potentially life-threatening intra-abdominal
pathology. So this study aimed at showing the pattern of abdominal trauma at our hospital.
Methods:
We recruited patients presenting at the EMD with abdominal injury and used a
structured questionnaire to collect patient information.
Results:
A total of 92 patients with abdominal trauma were surgically managed with male to
female ratio of 7.4:1. The age range was 7 to 55years with a mean of 29.43. The majority
(67.4%) of the patients were aged between 21 -40 years. Petty traders made up 42.3% of all
cases. Motor Traffic Injuries accounted for 55.4%, with blunt trauma contributing 65.3% of
the study population. Substance abuse was also reported in a number of cases. The overall
mortality of 7.6% was observed.
Conclusion:
Most causes of abdominal trauma were preventable, with substance abuse having
influence. Non therapeutic laparotomy was high probably due to deficiencies in investigation
modalities in our set up.
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© Copyright 2013 - East and Central African Journal of Surgery
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