Short bowel syndrome after trauma.
OBJECTIVE
Traumatic injury to the intestine and its vasculature is a potential cause of short bowel syndrome (SBS). Our aim was to determine the incidence and mechanisms of traumatic injury to the bowel resulting in massive resection.


METHODS
We reviewed the records of 196 adult patients evaluated with SBS over a 23-year period.


RESULTS
Sixteen (8%) patients had SBS secondary to traumatic injury. Injury to the intestinal blood supply accounted for 81% (n = 13), and direct injury to the bowel wall accounted for the remaining 19% (n = 3). Nineteen associated injuries were present in 11 (67%) patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Traumatic injury to the abdomen accounts for a small proportion of patients with SBS. These patients often have other associated injuries which might influence their outcome. Early diagnosis of vascular injury, use of second look procedures, appropriate resuscitation, and avoidance of all unnecessary resections may aid in prevention of this serious complication.
Dabney
Anne
A
Departments of Surgery and Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983280 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3280, USA. adabney@unmc.edu
Thompson
Jon
J
DiBaise
John
J
Sudan
Debra
D
McBride
Corrigan
C
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D007422:Intestines / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011336:Probability; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012778:Short Bowel Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery