An evaluation of a protocol established to decrease negative laparotomy in patients of penetrating abdominal wounds

Objective To decrease negative laparotomy in patients suffering from penetrating abdominal wounds. Methods The clinical data of 78 cases of penetrating abdominal wounds undergoing exploratory laparotomy before Jun. 1999 were retrospectively reviewed, and new indication was developed and was applied to 53 cases admitted between Jun. 1999 and Jun. 2000. Results Compared with the 91% of exploratory laparotomy in 78 cases before Jun. 1999, the rate of exploratory laparotomy of penetrating wounds of the abdomen in the 53 cases admitted after Jun. 1999 was 64%. The difference was significant(χ 2=14.51, P 0.01). Conclusions The new indication effectively decreases the negative laparotomy and is clinically applicable.