Pattern of Presentation of Retroperitoneal Hematoma among Sample of Iraqi Patients Attending Surgery Clinic of a Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Retroperitoneal heamorrahge is an acute surgical condition that is associated with difficulty of diagnosis, organ injuries and mortality. Materials and Methods: One hundred and two patients with traumatic retroperitoneal hematoma treated in Al Yarmuk teaching hospital from May 2012 to January 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. The data include patient’s age, type of injury, presenting symptoms, associated injuries and common site of hematoma. Results: In 102 patients, 69 were males (67.6%) and 33 were females (32.3%), mean age of 22 years. The comments presenting symptoms was pain (85.2%), followed by tenderness (73.5%) and shock (58.8%). Around 38.2% were injured by blunt trauma and 61.8% by penetrating trauma. The large bowel was the most common affected organ 26.4%, spleen and kidneys were the second affected organ (23.5%) while the jejunum and ileum were the third associated organs to be affected (14.7%). The commonest complication was septicemia, followed by wound infection. The least reported complications were Pulmonary embolism, Fistula, and Intestinal Obstruction. Conclusion: Traumatic retroperitoneal hematoma is life-threatening condition, early diagnosis and correct treatment is of upmost importance.