STUDY OF THE CLINICAL PROFILE OF BLUNT ABDOMINAL TRAUMA AT A TERTIA RY CARE CENTRE OF CENTRAL INDIA

Abstract

This observational study was conducted on the victims of blunt abdominal trauma from 1st January 2012 to 31st October 2013 at Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Postgraduate Institute, Indore, which is a leading tertiary care centre in Central India. Fifty three patients of blunt abdominal trauma were included in the study and analysed on the basis of clinical profile, demographic pattern and overall outcome of the injuries. Road traffic accident was the commonest cause (74.47%). Sex distribution ratio showed male preponderance (81.13%). More than half (55%) were from the middle age group (20 to 40 years). These men must have been the sole breadwinners of their families and we can only imagine the socio-economical impact on their families. Most of them were involved in automobile accidents which could have been prevented. Increased use of fast moving vehicles and lack of knowledge about traffic regulations are responsible for these accidents. In the coming days the problem of polytrauma is going to increase in our hospitals. We should by to prevent the menace of automobile accidents. Rules and regulations of road safety and precautions while using the automobiles have to be imbibed at an earlier age. Schools, social media and licensing authorities of the government will have to play an important role in this matter. In spite of latest gadgets and state of art medical care facility, the outcome of abdominal trauma is marked by significant morbidity and mortality as it depends on concomitant injuries and unique problem of postoperative abdominal sepsis. We feel that proper understanding of etiology and pattern of blunt abdominal trauma may help in improving the final outcome.