Imaging of the injured child: important questions answered quickly and correctly.
Diagnostic imaging has assisted dramatically in the care of the injured child. The avoidance of unnecessary laparotomy in 35-85% of cases depending on the series reviewed is a major improvement in care. Additionally, non-operative treatment has clearly decreased the number of splenectomies children significantly undergo. Further improvements will only result in more accurate and focused interventions and continue to improve results. Physicians must remember, however, that trauma in children remains a surgical disease. Advances in imaging techniques have reduced operative intervention, but now children are exposed to far more potential risks and morbidity. Diagnoses evolve with time and the surgeon must be ready to take any injured child to the operating room for treatment when warranted at a moment's notice.
Department of Surgery, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington 05405, USA.
Dennis W
DW
Vane
D002648:Child; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D012151:Resuscitation; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*