The goal of this study, from Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia, was to assess the accuracy of US in evaluating BAT, and to determine the ability of surgeons to perform the procedure. 82 patients with BAT underwent US imaging of the abdomen performed by 1 of 2 surgeons trained in the technique. The examination was interpreted immediately as to whether or not it showed free intraperitoneal fluid or visceral injury. 82 patients were enrolled. Mean time to complete the US was 2.5 minutes.
Surgeons trained in the procedure can perform it accurately.
Its use in the United States is becoming more common. Although some other studies have not shown results quite this impressive, US is a technique that is safe and allows easily for serial exams, and will soon be part of the training of many emergency physicians. Note that in this study, reliance on ultrasound results instead of CT would have prevented one unnecessary laparotomy. The University of Alberta has on-line an ultrasound image of parenchymal splenic hematoma . It is not a substitute for careful analysis of the original literature, and neither provides nor is intended to provide the basis for patient evaluation or treatment.