[Perforation of the small intestine caused by closed abdominal injury (review of 16 surgically treated cases)].

The cases of 16 patients undergoing surgical treatment for blunt rupture of the small bowel have been reviewed. Male sex was the most affected one, and the traffic accidents were the main cause of this lesion. A high incidence of multiple injuries was noted. Clinical features were often effective in establishing the diagnosis; when performed, peritoneal lavage was always usefull, whereas X-ray did not. Mortality rate was low, in spite of the regular attendance of associated injuries, depending upon early diagnosis and surgical treatment. Only one death is reported, due to the extend of shock, for the associated injuries.