Diagnostic Significance of Laboratory Tests in Correlating with Findings of Exploratory Abdominal Surgery Following Trauma

<i>Background:</i><i> </i>Blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) is a common cause of intra-abdominal injuries and poses significant diagnostic challenges. Laboratory and imaging investigations are essential in guiding the management of these patients. <i>Objective:</i><i> </i>This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic significance of laboratory tests in correlation with findings from exploratory abdominal surgery following trauma. <i>Methods:</i><i> </i>This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Rangpur Medical College and Hospital, Rangpur, Bangladesh, from July 2020 to December 2020. A total of 50 patients diagnosed with blunt abdominal trauma and requiring exploratory laparotomy were included in the study. <i>Results:</i><i> </i>The majority of patients were aged 31–40 years (42%) with a male predominance (70%). Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom (100%), followed by abdominal distension (76%) and vomiting (24%). Clinical examination revealed tenderness in 90%, guarding/rigidity in 78%, and rebound tenderness and absent bowel sounds in 70% of patients. Laboratory abnormalities included deranged INR in 74%, prolonged APTT in 70%, elevated AST in 34%, ALT in 30%, and raised amylase and lipase in 48% of patients. Imaging detected free fluid on USG in 80% and haemoperitoneum on CT in 94% of cases. Small bowel was the most commonly injured organ (54%), followed by liver (20%), spleen (16%), mesentery (12%), duodenum (10%), colon (6%), and stomach (4%). Most injuries were isolated (76%), with grade II small bowel and duodenal injuries predominating. Patients aged 18–40 years exhibited the highest frequency of biochemical and imaging abnormalities, correlating with small bowel injuries (P < 0.00001). <i>Conclusion:</i><i> </i>Laboratory and imaging investigations provide valuable diagnostic support in BAT but should complement clinical evaluation. Younger patients are at higher risk for small bowel injuries and exhibit more pronounced biochemical derangements. Early recognition and correlation with surgical findings are crucial to improve outcomes.