• B C Thaemert, T H Cogbill, and P J Lambert.
• Department of Surgery, Gundersen Lutheran, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601, USA.
• J Trauma. 1997 Nov 1; 43 (5): 748-51.

ObjectiveTo determine the value of follow-up abdominal computed tomography in patients with splenic trauma managed nonoperatively.DesignRetrospective chart review.Materials And MethodsA total of 108 consecutive patients with splenic injuries treated at a single institution from 1990 to 1996 were studied. All admission and follow-up computed tomographic (CT) scans were reviewed by the authors.ResultsInitial management was surgical in 35 patients (32%) and intentionally nonoperative in 73 patients (68%). Nonoperative management was successful in 45 of 49 adults (92%) and 21 of 24 children(88%). Sixty-two follow-up abdominal CT scans were obtained in 49 patients. Information that affected management was evident on only one follow-up CT scan performed in the absence of clinical indications. Potential savings in hospital and physician charges for routine follow-up CT scans in this study were $54,302.00.ConclusionsFollow-up abdominal CT scans are not routinely necessary in patients with splenic injuries managed nonoperatively.

23 keywords...

hide…