(P2-83) The Use of Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma in Patients with Blunt Abdominal Trauma or Pelvic Fracture in the Emergency Departments

Abstract

Background

The role of FAST in diagnostic protocols has been adopted in most major trauma centers in well-developed countries. This procedure has become the initial diagnostic way in blunt abdominal trauma patients. However there are researches which show FAST is not reliable triage tool in patients with pelvic fracture.

Objectives

To evaluate the usefulness of Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma in diagnostic of blunt abdominal trauma patients and to bring attention to patients with pelvic fracture who should receive additional tests for the presence of peritoneal fluid.

Methods

An analysis of high-quality evidence resources was performed, limited to the articles published since 2005 year.

Results

99 articles were found during the search, of which 23 were accurate. 16 articles were based on original research.

Conclusion

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma plays a key role in the investigation of blunt abdominal trauma and should be used in all emergency departments. FAST-negative patients can remain under observation except major pelvic injury patients. The evaluation of peritoneal fluid in this group has low sensitivity.