[Abdomen Trauma From A Fall From A Height In Two University Teaching Hospital In Burkina Faso].

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the nature and reasons for the fall, the injuries caused and their prognosis.

Patients and methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study over a period of 9 years. Patients admitted for abdominal trauma from a fall from a height during the study period were included. Ultrasound and CT scan allowed diagnosis of the lesion. Patients in shock who do not respond to resuscitation are considered to have unstable hemodynamics.

Results: fifty-three cases of abdominal trauma by falling from a height, including 11 adults and 42 children, were collected. They were 46 men and 7 women. The average age was 11.6 years. In 86.8% (n=46) of the cases it was a fall from the top of a tree. There were 83% (n=44) abdominal contusion and 17% (n=9) open trauma. Other lesions were associated in 28.3% (n=15) of cases. There were 26 splenic lesions (49%), 14 liver (22.6%) and 6 hollow organs (11.3%). Non-operative treatment was applied in 79.2% (n=42) of cases. Morbidity was 9.4% (n=5) and mortality 5.7% (n=3).

Conclusion: Abdominal trauma from a fall from a height was dominated by falls from the top of fruit trees, and occurred in young male subjects.