OBJECTIVE To evaluate the accuracy of the focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) exam performed with a digital hand-held ultrasound machine in the emergency evaluation and resuscitation of trauma victims. INTRODUCTION The FAST exam is a valuable screening tool in the evaluation of abdominal trauma. New digital ultrasound units have recently become available which can be hand-car...

To cite: Parizh D, Meytes V, Kopatsis A. BMJ Case Rep Published online: [please include Day Month Year] doi:10.1136/bcr-2016217646 DESCRIPTION A man aged 38 years who underwent assault, presented with a stab wound to the anterior abdomen, LLQ (figure 1A). He was haemodynamically stable, no peritoneal signs on abdominal examination, FAST and local wound explorations were inconclusive. CT scan of...

Post-operative infectious complications following penetrating abdominal trauma are a major cause of morbidity and contribute significantly to increased length of hospitalization and costs of patient care. Our recent study suggests the individual patient's probability of major infection following traumatic intestinal perforation is high and can be predicted from risk factors identified at the ti...

OBJECTIVES Chest X-ray (CXR), abdominal ultrasound, cardiac ultrasound, and abdominal X-ray are the most frequently used imaging modalities to radiologically evaluate patients with penetrating torso trauma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of these imaging modalities. METHODS From January 2001 until January 2005, all consecutive patients with penetrating torso injuries prese...

INTRODUCTION Computed tomography is commonly used to exclude occult injuries in patients with trauma, but imaging can reveal findings that are of uncertain etiology or clinical significance. We present a case of unsuspected pancreatic abnormality in a female patient with trauma who sustained an isolated blunt head injury. CASE PRESENTATION A 25-year-old female Caucasian patient sustained mass...

Abdominal trauma continues to be a major cause of trauma admissions all over the world and contributes significantly to high morbidity and mortality. A descriptive prospective study was conducted at Bugando Medical Centre in north-western Tanzania to describe our experience on the management of abdominal trauma outlining the causes, injury characteristics and treatment outcome of these patients...

Introduction The optimal management of patients with penetrating abdominal injuries has been debated for decades, since mandatory laparotomy (LAP) gave way to the concept of ‘‘selective conservatism.’’ Materials and Methods A comprehensive literature review was performed and summarized. Results A proposed management guideline for patients with penetrating abdominal trauma was created. Conclusio...