Pattern of abdominal injuries in bomb blast patients

Objective: To study the pattern of abdominal injuries in bomb blast patients. Material and methods: This retrospective study was done in surgical department of Khyber teaching hospital from April 2012 to June 2015. Record of bomb blast injury patient was reviewed and details of abdominal injuries were sorted out. Bomb blast patients with abdominal injuries admitted in general surgery department were included in our study. Patients with no abdominal injuries or admitted in other specialty units were excluded from the study. Results: Total 73 patients of bomb blast injuries presented to emergency department in the above mentioned period, from where 56 were referred to general surgery unit for admission. Out of 56 patients admitted, 47 patients had abdominal injuries. Abdominal wall injuries not breaching the peritoneum were found in 12 patients while 41 patients had abdominal wall injuries breaching the peritoneum. Three patients had no obvious abdominal wall injuries but got intra-abdominal visceral injuries. Conclusion: A low threshold for operative intervention should be kept in mind because of the complex intra-abdominal injury produced by bomb blasts. Close observation and serial monitoring in important because of delayed rupture of gastrointestinal wall hematoma.