Extensive retroperitoneal hematoma in blunt trauma

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience of managing extensive retroperitoneal hematoma (RH) in patients with blunt trauma and to determine any associated factors affecting causation and mortality.

METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, patients diagnosed with extensive RH following blunt trauma admitted to King Saud Medical Complex, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between January 2004 and December 2009 were included. Patient data were explored for injury severity score (ISS), associated injuries, location of hematoma, amount of blood transfusions, coagulation profile, operative management, hospital stay, and mortality. The outcomes in surviving and non-surviving patients were compared.

RESULTS: Out of 290 patients presenting with RH, extensive RH was found in 46 patients (15.8%). The overall mortality was 32.6%. The pelvis was the most frequent location of RH in combination with lateral and central zones (65.2%). The lower extremity and pelvic fractures were the most common injury. Associated intra-peritoneal injuries were present in 39.1% patients. An exploratory laparotomy was performed in 58.7% patients (n=27). A high ISS (55.9 versus 35.5, p<0.0001), abnormal coagulation profile (odds ratio [OR] 7.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.974-30.932, p=0.005, and associated chest injuries OR 5.94, 95% CI 1.528-23.19, p=0.014) were independent factors associated with mortality.

CONCLUSION: Multiple musculoskeletal injuries in addition to intra-abdominal injuries and abnormal coagulation are major factors associated with the presence of extensive RH. High ISS, abnormal coagulation, and associated chest injuries are independent factors associated with mortality.