Changing trends in abdominal trauma in a teaching hospital of Lahore.

A comparison between patients of abdominal trauma admitted 10 years ago (1979-1981) and those admitted in the recent past (1989-1991) showed important variations in the frequency, aetiology, severity, morbidity and mortality. There was marked increase in frequency over this period. Ten years ago stab injuries were the most frequent cause of abdominal trauma, today firearm injuries rank first. The severity of injuries judged by involvement of number of organ systems and associated injuries has also intensified. Morbidity and mortality has almost doubled over this period. Today's emergency surgeon needs to be better trained and competent to deal with the severe injuries particularly of deep seated intra-abdominal organs if mortality and prolonged morbidity is to be decreased.