Hollow viscus injuries: predictors of outcome and role of diagnostic delay

Hollow viscus injuries  are uncommon but potentially catastrophic condi­tions as well, with high mortality and morbidity rates. The aim of this study was to analyze our 16 ­year experience with patients undergoing surgery for blunt or penetrating bowel trauma to identify prognostic factors with particular attention to the influence of diagnostic delay on outcome.

We found the evidence that patients with clinical signs of shock, low diastolic pressure at admission, and high ISS are at increased risk of postoperative mortality. Leukocytosis and delayed treatment (>6 hours) were independent predictors of postoperative morbidity. More effort should be made to increase the preoperative detection rate of HVI and reduce the delay of treatment.