Objective:
In this study, we aimed to investigate the effective factors on morbidity due to small intestine penetrating injuries.
Material and Methods:
Between January 2006 and December 2010, 114 patients who underwent surgery due to penetrating small intestine injuries were retrospectively reviewed.
Results:
The mean age was 32.8±12.3years (15-77), and there were 96 patients, (84.2%) male and 18 (15.8%) female patients. The most common etiologic cause was gun-shot injuries (66.7%). Fifty-one (44.7%) patients had isolated small intestine injuries and 63 (55.3%) had small intestine and additional organ injuries. Colon was the most common additional organ injured (66.7%) Most commonly, 68 (59.7%) patients underwent primary suture. T Postoperative morbidity occurred in 30 patients (25%) and the most common complication was wound infection. The morbidity was significantly higher in the patients with small intestine and additional organ injuries (p=0.006). The morbidity was higher in patients who exhibited signs of peritonitis (p=0.048) and had colonic injuries (p=0.002). The number of blood transfusions was effective in mortality (p<0.001). The mean length of hospital stay was 6.9±2.9 (1-21) days, significantly longer in the patients who developed morbidity (p=0.002). Seven (6.1%) patients died due to hemorrhage in 6 patients and anastomotic leakage in 1 patient.
Conclusion:
Small intestine injuries significantly increase the postoperative morbidiy when accompanied by additional intraabdominal organ injuries, especially the colon.
Keywords: Penetrating trauma, small intestinal injury, morbidity