Document Detail


The role of computed tomography in selective management of gunshot wounds to the abdomen and flank.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  9867040     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether computed tomography (CT) is an accurate diagnostic modality for the triage of hemodynamically stable patients with gunshot wounds of the abdomen and flank. METHODS: A chart review of 83 trauma patients for whom abdominal CT was used as initial screening. RESULTS: In 53 patients, CT revealed no evidence of peritoneal penetration, and in 15 patients, there was evidence of either peritoneal penetration or liver injury. There were no false results in these patients. Among 15 patients with questionable peritoneal penetration, cavitary endoscopy was performed in 11 and exploratory laparotomy was performed in 3, and 1 patient was initially observed and subsequently underwent exploratory surgery for a missed colonic injury. CONCLUSION: In selected centers and in hemodynamically stable patients with abdominal and flank gunshot wounds, abdominal CT can be an effective and safe initial screening modality to document the presence or absence of peritoneal penetration and to manage nonoperatively stable patients with liver injuries. If there is any question of peritoneal penetration, cavitary endoscopy should be part of the protocol of nonoperative management.
Authors:
E Ginzburg; E H Carrillo; T Kopelman; M G McKenney; O C Kirton; D V Shatz; D Sleeman; L C Martin
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  The Journal of trauma     Volume:  45     ISSN:  0022-5282     ISO Abbreviation:  J Trauma     Publication Date:  1998 Dec 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  1999-01-20     Completed Date:  1999-01-20     Revised Date:  2004-11-17    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0376373     Medline TA:  J Trauma     Country:  UNITED STATES    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1005-9     Citation Subset:  AIM; IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma Services, University of Miami School of Medicine, and the Ryder Trauma Center, Florida, USA.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Abdominal Injuries / radiography*,  surgery
Adolescent
Adult
Algorithms
Decision Trees
Female
Humans
Laparotomy
Male
Medical Records
Peritoneum / injuries*,  radiography
Predictive Value of Tests
Retrospective Studies
Sensitivity and Specificity
Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
Wounds, Gunshot / radiography*,  surgery

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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