Blunt Abdominal Trauma: The Importance of Clinical Signs for Early Detection of Jejunal Rupture

Abstract

Gastrointestinal tract injuries (GITI) are found in 5% to 17% of laparotomies performed for blunt abdominal trauma. Motor vehicle accidents play an important role [1]. Less than one half of the GITI's caused by blunt abdominal trauma are reported to have enough clinical findings to indicate laparotomy. Laparotomy based on clinical signs alone shows a negative exploration rate of up to 40% [1]. Clinical signs have an important role in combination with radiological examinations and observations.