1PG Resident (IIIrd Year), Dept. of General Surgery, KM Medical College, Mathura, UP
2Assistant Professor, Dept. of General Surgery, UPUMS, Saifai, UP
3Assistant Professor, Dept. of General Surgery, GMC Seoni, MP
4Associate Professor, Dept. of General Surgery, UPUMS, Saifai, UP
5Professor, Dept. of General Surgery, UPUMS, Saifai, UP
6Professor, Dept. of General Surgery, UPUMS, Saifai, UP
7Professor, Dept. of General Surgery, UPUMS, Saifai, UP
*Corresponding author: Dr. Ramlakhan Singh, Associate Professor, Dept. of General Surgery, UPUMS, Saifai, UP
Background: Blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) resulting from road traffic accidents (RTAs) represents a significant contributor to surgical emergencies, particularly in developing countries where delayed presentation and limited prehospital trauma systems increase morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and appropriate selection between operative and non-operative management remain critical for optimal outcomes.
Objectives: To evaluate the epidemiological profile, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, management strategies, and outcomes of non-penetrating abdominal trauma secondary to RTAs.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at J.A. Group of Hospitals, Gwalior, from June 2016 to May 2020. A total of 246 patients with blunt abdominal trauma due to RTAs were included. Clinical examination, imaging modalities (ultrasonography, X-ray, and CT), laboratory investigations, and intraoperative findings were analyzed. Patients were managed either conservatively or operatively based on hemodynamic stability and injury severity. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v21.0, applying chi-square and Student’s t-tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results: The majority of patients presented within 10 hours of injury (73.3%). Associated injuries included orthopedic and thoracic trauma (19.24% each). Ultrasonography identified free fluid in 42.18% and splenic injury in 17.02%, making the spleen the most commonly affected organ. Conservative management was successful in 80.02% of cases, while 19.98% required surgical intervention, most commonly for bowel perforation and splenic injury. Postoperative complications included wound dehiscence (3.70%) and surgical site infection (2.22%). Delayed presentation was significantly associated with mortality (p = 0.0004), and complications were significantly higher in the operative group (Fisher’s exact test p < 0.0001).
Conclusion: Most hemodynamically stable patients with blunt abdominal trauma can be managed conservatively with imaging-guided protocols. Early resuscitation, timely diagnosis, and improved trauma infrastructure are essential to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality.
Keywords: Hit Hard, Abdominal Trauma, BAT, RTA.
How to cite this article: Tyagi P, Verma VK, Rokde P, Singh R, Singh SP, Gupta VK, Singh SP. Hit Hard: Managing the Silent Impact of Abdominal Trauma After RTAs. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026; 16(8s): 357-359; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.8s.47
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None