The value and cost effectiveness of abdominal roentgenograms in the evaluation of stab wounds to the abdomen.

The value of roentgenograms of the abdomen in the evaluation and management of stab wounds to the abdomen has not been well documented. This retrospective study demonstrates that the overwhelming majority of patients with injury requiring repair have normal roentgenograms. We also found that, even when abnormal, abdominal roentgenograms make a negligible contribution to the evaluation in these patients. These findings indicate that abdominal roentgenograms are not cost effective in patients with stab wounds to the abdomen and should not be obtained on a routine basis.