This retrospective study illustrates that the use of CT scanning to identify injury in gun shot wounds to the abdomen is not sensitive or specific enough to obviate the need for laparotomy. “Admission hypotension, abdominal pain and/or peritonitis, evisceration, and a transabdominal trajectory were considered clear indications for laparotomy.” If there is clear indication to go to the OR, stopping in CT does not add any benefit.
Vasquez, Matthew MD; Dhillon, Navpreet K. MD; Feliciano, David V. MD, FACS, MAMSE†; Scalea, Thomas M. MD, FACS, MCCM
Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery 97(5):p 785-790, November 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/TA.0000000000004404
