The role of computed tomography in blunt abdominal trauma.

Objective: To determine the utility of the computed tomography (CT) scan in blunt abdominal trauma and to compare it with operative findings or clinical outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective analysis based on existing, diagnostic CT scan reports taken during a 5 year period from 245 consecutive patients with blunt abdominal trauma. Percentages and types of trauma identified were based on CT scan findings.