Treatment Strategies for Children with Abdominal Trauma

Abstract

We have experienced 23 cases (27 sites) of children with abdominal trauma at our hospital during the past ten years. The present study analyzed the results of treatment in these patients and discussed optimal treatment strategies. Even in children with abdominal trauma it was possible to perform interventional radiology (IVR) safely. Trauma severity was significantly worse in patients receiving IVR than in the non-IVR group, but within the IVR-treated group there was no significant difference in severity between patients who did or did not receive transarterial embolization (TAE). However, it took significantly less time for those receiving TAE to be taken to the angiography room compared with the non-TAE group, and close communication with the patients' previous doctor allowed TAE to be performed more expeditiously. In the case of abdominal trauma to children, rapid and accurate evaluation is of the utmost importance. To achieve this, it is essential that emergency physicians, pediatric surgeons, and radiologists pool their respective knowledge and skills when treating such patients. Further, it is necessary to develop an organizational structure that can respond to any emergency on a 24-hour basis.