Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the role of ultrasonography in screening for blunt abdominal trauma in a general hospital. Design: Prospective study. Setting: University hospital, Kuwait. Subjects: 53 patients (44 male and nine female) with suspected blunt abdominal trauma or decreased consciousness were studied in the period between March 92 and April 93. Interventions: Real time ultrasonography of the abdomen during resuscitation. Main outcome measures: The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography as an investigative tool and predictor of clinical outcome. Results: Ultrasonography was 85% sensitive, 100% specific, and 96% accurate. The positive predictive value was 100% and the negative predictive value was 95%. The sensitivity was less in the hands of the surgeon than the radiologist (67% compared with 90%). Conclusion: Ultrasonography is an accurate, safe method for screening patients with blunt abdominal trauma even in general hospitals.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 361-365 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | European Journal of Surgery |
Volume | 162 |
Issue number | 5 |
Publication status | Published - 1996 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery