Retroperitoneal HematomaA Continuous Challenge for Surgeons!

Abstract

Traumatic retroperitoneal hematomas are associated with high mortalityrates and it is a common complication of abdominal or pelvic injuries and makes thediagnosis and treatment of the lesion complicated.Our aim from the study is to high lighten the causes and the rates of mortality in the cases of RPH. To analyze our experiences in patients with traumatic retroperitoneal hematoma and to find out the frequency of different visceral injuries and morbidity and mortality related to different zones in retroperitoneal hematoma due to trauma.A prospective study of 103 patients' data with traumatic retroperitoneal hematomas collected between1 January 2010 and31 December 2013 at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital.The mechanism of injury was penetrating in 83(80.58%) patients, and blunt trauma in 20(19.41 %) patients.Zone III was most commonly involved 68(65.9%) followed by Zone II 25(24.3%), Zone I 7(6.7%) and pelvicentral zone 3(2.9%). Ninety-twopatients (89.4%) needed surgical exploration while 11(10.6%) patients were treated conservatively, 41(39.8%)died.Mandatory exploration of zone I and selective exploration of zone II and III isa valid policy in the management of retroperitoneal hematomas.