Management of Blunt Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernias: An Analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank

Division

Far West

Hospital

Riverside Community Hospital

Document Type

Manuscript

Publication Date

3-23-2022

Keywords

general surgery, hernia, trauma, wounds and injuries

Disciplines

Surgery | Trauma

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWH) are uncommon injuries with variable presentation and unstandardized management. Few national systematic descriptive studies have been conducted about TAWH. We present a retrospective descriptive study utilizing the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) to better characterize risk factors associated with TAWH and management practices.

METHODS: The NTDB (years 2016-2019) was examined for adult blunt trauma patients who had TAWH. Data included demographics, trauma-specific variables, management strategies, and outcome measures. Descriptive statistics were performed by univariate analysis.

RESULTS: 2 871 367 adult blunt trauma patients were identified in the NTDB dataset. 206 had abdominal wall hernias (

CONCLUSIONS: TAWH is an uncommon complication of blunt abdominal trauma, associated with higher BMI, ISS, and increased mortality. Initial operative management was pursued in 21% of cases, more often in younger, more severely injured patients with other intra-abdominal injuries. Evidence-based guidelines, based on multicenter prospective studies with longer follow-up, should be developed for management of these unique injuries.

Publisher or Conference

The American Surgeon

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