Benefits of CT tractography in evaluation of anterior abdominal stab wounds

Am J Emerg Med. 2015 Sep;33(9):1188-90. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2015.05.018. Epub 2015 May 29.

Abstract

Introduction: The study aimed to identify the presence of peritoneal penetration in management of anterior abdominal stab wound by using computed tomography (CT) tractography.

Material and methods: Hemodynamically stabile, CT tractography-performed patients who were admitted to our emergency clinic with anterior abdominal stab wounds between the years 2012 and 2014 were included in this study, and all images were evaluated in terms of peritoneal penetration and possible intra-abdominal injury.

Results: In the study CT tractography identified necessity of laparotomy accurately in 90% of the patients, and none of the patients without peritoneal penetration needed surgical treatment in their follow-up.

Conclusion: The procedure may be used for some selected cases of hemodynamically stable patient with anterior abdominal stab wounds to abstain from local wound exploration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adult
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mesentery / diagnostic imaging
  • Mesentery / injuries
  • Peritoneum / diagnostic imaging*
  • Peritoneum / injuries*
  • Rectus Abdominis / diagnostic imaging
  • Rectus Abdominis / injuries
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Wounds, Stab / diagnostic imaging*