Minerva chirurgica
-
During last 20 years ultrasonography has been widely used in Europe to investigate abdominal trauma. In United States it has not been considered a reliable test especially because of its lack of sensitivity in diagnosing parenchymal injuries. ⋯ Advantages are remarkable: ultrasound is cost-effective, fast, non-invasive, can be performed by surgeons even on unstable patients. FAST is now included in ATLS framework for examination of thoraco-abdominal trauma.