Prevalence of lesions to the major vessels after penetrating abdomen traumas

Abstract

Background. Abdominal vascular injuries are among the most lethal injuries sustained by trauma patients. The aim of this study was to review the experience of our institution and to study published papers in respect to these injuries.
Material and methods. The report cards of a total of 174 patients who suffered from penetrating abdominal trauma caused by gunshots or stabbing in the period of May 1998 to April 2001 were reviewed. The Penetrating Abdominal Trauma Index (PATI) was used. Fisher tests with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% and a p-value < 0.05 were used in the statistical analysis.
Results. Twelve patients (6.9%) suffered from 14 lesions of major vessels, ten veins (6 inferior vena cava; 2 common iliac veins; 1 external iliac vein; 1 renal vein) and four arteries (2 internal iliac arteries; 1 renal artery; 1 external iliac artery).
Conclusion. Abdominal penetrating trauma affects young, usually male, patients, where abdominal vascular lesions are frequently involved. Abdominal vascular lesions are associated with a high mortality rate.