Management of duodenal trauma.

The surgical management of fifteen cases of duodenal trauma is reported. Blunt injury of the abdomen was the commonest mode of injury. Thirteen patients (86.6%) had associated intra-abdominal and/or extra-abdominal injuries. Diagnosis of duodenal injury was made at laparotomy in all patients. In the majority of patients (n = 11), either duodenal repair, or anastomosis with the pylorus or jejunum was done. Duodenal diverticulization or pancreaticoduodenectomy were undertaken in 2 patients each. Feeding jejunostomy was an important adjunct for nutritional support. Septicemia with multisystem organ failure and duodenal fistula were lethal complications. Mortality in the present series was 46.6%.