Role of Ultrasonography in Blunt Abdominal Trauma: A Prospective Study

Fikri M. Abu-Zidan, Imad Zayat, Mehraj Sheikh, Iyad Mousa, Abdullah Behbehani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)361-365
Number of pages5
JournalEuropean Journal of Surgery
Volume162
Issue number5
Publication statusPublished - 1996
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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