Resumen de Ecografía realizada por cirujanos en el manejo de pacientes con trauma
Felipe Catán G, Carlos Altamirano C, Cristián Salas del C, Raúl Novoa R, Juan Pablo Castro C, Carmen Lagos C, Verónica Larrea E
Background: Ultrasonography is useful in trauma patients to detect pleural effusions or peritoneal fluid. Aim: To assess the value of ultrasonography performed by surgeons in the assessment of trauma patients. Material and methods: A retrospective review of ultrasonography reports and clinical history of 284 trauma patients. Results: One hundred fifty six patients had blunt trauma and 128 had penetrating trauma. Ultrasonography detected peritoneal fluid in 20%, pericardial effusion in 1% and pleural effusion in 1%. Eight percent had visceral damage or hematomas, without peritoneal fluid. None of the patients with a normal ultrasonography required surgery for hemoperitoneum; however, four patients had intestinal perforations and required surgery. Conclusions: Ultrasonography had a 100% sensitivity and specificity for the detection of clinically significant hemoperitoneum. Emergency ultrasonography performed by surgeons is useful and accurate (Rev Méd Chile 2002; 130: 892-6)
