Incidence, Pattern and Mortality of Traumatic Abdominal Injury: A Three-Year Study at the Largest Trauma Center in Southern Iran

Abstract

Abstract Background and objective: Trauma is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The abdomen is the third most frequently injured body area, and about 25% of all abdominal trauma cases require surgery. In this study, we aimed to determine the type of abdominal trauma, characteristics associated with injuries, and the independent mortality risk factors in patients referred to a level-one trauma center in southern Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at the largest trauma center in southern Iran from June 2018 to June 2021. All adult patients with abdominal trauma diagnosed according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale guidelines were included. We collected data on patients’ age, sex, injury anatomy, injury mechanism, hospitalization duration, blood pressure level, injury severity, and outcome. Results A total of 4,755 trauma patients were admitted to the emergency department during the study period, among whom 844 had traumatic abdominal injuries. The abdominal injury rate was 17.75%, and the mortality proportion was 18.40% (155 patients). Most injured people with abdominal injuries (80.30%) were men. Blunt trauma was the predominant type (80.70%). Most (61.10%) injuries were from road traffic accidents, followed by falls (16.40%). In most cases, the abdominal injury was associated with a lumbar region injury (n = 345) as the extra-abdominal organ injury; liver injury (n = 210), splenic bleeding (n = 158), and retroperitoneal bleeding were the predominant associated intra-abdominal complications. Conclusion The results of this study showed that the mortality proportion was high in abdominal trauma patients. The injury severity was high, usually associated with damage to other body organs. People injured due to road accidents, falls, and stabbings were more prone to abdominal injuries. Considering the high mortality among these patients, the injured should be immediately examined regarding internal organ damage, especially in the abdominal, lumbar, and head areas.