Expectant management of haemoperitoneum

Nonoperative management was successful in 81 of the 90 patients including t wo patients with penetrating injury. Nine patients were operated on after a n initial period of observation, eight because of continued bleeding and on e because of features of peritonitis. There were four deaths. These were du e to multisystem injuries and not directly related to haemoperitoneum alone . Nonoperative management is a relatively safe and effective method in mana gement of selected cases of haemoperitoneum. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.