BACKGROUND: Abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scans are used in the evaluation of @entity130 . The purpose of this study was to determine if isolated intraperitoneal fluid seen on CT scan necessitates laparotomy. METHODS: @entity130 registry records of @entity1 who underwent abdominal computed tomography from January 1994 through January 1997 were studied. Data were reviewed for age, gender, CT scan interpretation, associated injuries, and operative findings. RESULTS: @entity3511 was identified in 126 @entity1 . Seventy-eight @entity1 had evidence of solid-organ injury and 17 @entity1 had extraperitoneal injury. Isolated intraperitoneal fluid was identified in 31 @entity1 . All @entity1 with isolated fluid underwent laparotomy; 29 of these procedures (94%) were therapeutic. Bowel injuries occurred in 18 @entity1 and @entity130 in 8 @entity1 . Five @entity1 had intraperitoneal @entity1494 , and undetected solid-organ injuries were found in two @entity1 . Other organs injured included the stomach, pancreas, ovary, and uterus. CONCLUSION: Exploratory laparotomy was therapeutic in 94% of @entity1 . Isolated intraperitoneal fluid on CT scan after @entity130 mandates laparotomy.

Does free fluid on abdominal computed tomographic scan after XXXX require laparotomy?

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity1494 :: ('MESH:D001745', 'Disease') :: ['bladder rupture'] @entity3511 :: ('MESH:D000007', 'Disease') :: ['Abdominal injury'] @entity130 :: ('MESH:D014947', 'Disease') :: ['blunt trauma', 'mesenteric injuries', 'Trauma']
@entity130 :: (MESH:D014947,Disease) :: ['blunt trauma']
