Intestinal injuries in childhood: analysis of 32 cases.

This is a retrospective study of 32 cases of intestinal injuries sustained among 135 children admitted from cases of abdominal trauma in 1976 till 1989. Falls from height or bullock cart and bull-gore injury formed the majority of the cases (21/32; 65%). Clinical thermometer accounted for perforating injuries in 2 neonates. Penetrating injury accounted for 10 cases and blunt trauma was responsible in 19. The site of injury was duodenum 1, jejunum 8, ileum 17, colon 3, rectum 4, and multiple sites 1. Associated injuries included diaphragmatic rupture 1, liver 1, mesentery 4, retroperitoneal hematoma 4, head injury 2, and loss of hand due to blast 1. Diagnosis was made on history, physical examination, pneumoperitoneum in plain x-ray, and diagnostic four-quadrant peritoneal tap. Closure of perforations was done in 21 cases, wedge resection in 3, and resection anastomosis in 5. Protective colostomy had to be done in 5 cases. Four patients died of septicemia (2) and head injury (2).