ISOLATED PERFORATIONS OF THE SMALL-BOWEL FROM BLUNT ABDOMINAL-TRAUMA - REPORT OF 2 CASES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

On account of two recent cases, the authors present a review of the li terature of small bowel isolated perforations following blunt abdomina l trauma. Although these injuries are quite rare and their management relatively easy, the diagnostic approach is often hazardous and may le nghten the operative delay, worsening morbidity and mortality. The aut hors review the various physiopathological mechanisms (deceleration, c rushing and rupture phenomena) responsible for small bowel perforation s, as well as the predisposing factors. They emphasize the multiple pi tfalls of the diagnosis and try, through a study of the literature, to establish systematic guidelines. The advantages and deficiencies of t he various complementary investigations are discussed. The authors con clude with indications of conservative treatments and segmentary enter ectomies respectively.