DIAGNOSIS & MANAGEMENT of BLUNT ABDOMINAL TRAUMA IN PEDIATRICS

Abstract

Trauma is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children from ages 1 to 14 years. It results in more disability and death than all other childhood diseases combined. Computed tomography (CT) with intravenous contrast (IV) is the preferred modality for the diagnosis of intra-abdominal injuries in hemodynamically stable children. CEUS is much more sensitive than basic ultrasound in depicting parenchymal injuries and in the evaluation of their extension. In fact, CEUS has sensitivity and specificity values very similar to those of CT, which is the gold standard Laparoscopy is feasible and safe for the diagnosis and treatment of hemodynamically stable patients with blunt abdominal trauma. It can reduce the laparotomy rate and provide the advantages of minimally invasive surgery for patients with significant intra-abdominal injuries in terms of shorter hospital stay. Definitive management of childhood trauma begins once the primary survey and resuscitation phases have concluded. Definitive management of childhood trauma also depends on the type, extent, and severity of the injuries sustained The spleen and liver are the organs most commonly injured in blunt abdominal trauma with each accounting for one third of the injuries. Nonoperative treatment of isolated splenic and hepatic injuries in stable children is now standard practice.