The role of video-assisted laparoscopy in management of patients with small bowel injuries in abdominal trauma

Background  Patients with small bowel injuries (SBI) in abdominal trauma have no clear clinical or radiological signs on initial examination. This leads to delay in appropriate surgical interventions with consequent high morbidity and mortality. In this paper we demonstrate the role of video-assisted laparoscopy (VAL) in management of such patients. Methods and materials  819 patients with SBI were evaluated retrospectively between 1994 and 2003. The mechanism of the trauma was blunt in 146 (17.8%) patients and stab wounds in 640; routine investigations and VAL were used for triage of the subjects. All the victims underwent laparotomy or video-assisted laparoscopy. Demographic information, incidence of organs injuries, types of surgery, complications, associated injuries, and hospital mortality were analyzed. Results  Diagnostic video laparoscopy was sufficient for 518 (63.2%) patients. Small bowel repair was performed in 332 (40.6%) patients, clipping of mesenteric blood vessels in 27 (3.4%) patients, and coagulation and ligation of omental blood vessels in 48 (5.9%) patients. Ninety-seven (11.8%) patients with small bowel injury were associated with postoperative complications. There were 19 (2.3%) deaths associated with hemoperitoneum, severe head injury, and multiple ribs fracture. Generalized peritonitis was revealed in one case and focal abscesses between intestinal loops were identified in another one patient. Conclusion  The DVAL findings of visceral injuries give optimal approach for management of small bowel injuries in abdominal trauma.