Expectant management of haemoperitoneum.

Nonoperative management was successful in 81 of the 90 patients including two patients with penetrating injury. Nine patients were operated on after an initial period of observation, eight because of continued bleeding and one because of features of peritonitis. There were four deaths. These were due to multisystem injuries and not directly related to haemoperitoneum alone. Nonoperative management is a relatively safe and effective method in management of selected cases of haemoperitoneum.