Background: We aimed to evaluate the effects on morbidity and mortality of additional organ injuries obtained concurrently with penetrating small bowel injuries.
Methods: Between January 2000 and March 2005, patients in whom penetrating small bowel injuries occurred as a result of abdominal injuries were allocated into two groups and assessed. The first group included patients with isolated small bowel injuries, while those in the second group had small bowel injuries together with other intra-abdominal organ injuries.
Results: Small bowel injury was identified in 38 patients (34 M, 4 F) with an average age 38.1+/-8.86 (17-53) years (Group I: 20 patients; Group II: 18 patients). The PATI (penetrating abdominal trauma index) values of the first and second groups were 6.2+/-2.58 and 17+/-6.36, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Complication rates were 23.68% for the whole group, 5% in group I and 44.8% in group II. The rate was significantly higher in group II (p<0.01). Mortality was 2.63% and it was not related to intestinal injury.
Conclusion: Isolated penetrating small bowel injuries are amenable to treatment with lower complication rates. Additional organ injury increases the development of complications. Injury severity score (ISS) and PATI may be useful for estimating the risk of development of complications.