Introduction  

The aim of this population-based study was to assess the incidence, mechanisms, management and outcome of patients who sustained pancreatic trauma in Scotland over the period 1992–2002.

Methods  

The Scottish Trauma Audit Group database was searched for details of any patient with pancreatic trauma.

Results  

About 111 of 52,676 patients (0.21%) were identified as having sustained pancreatic trauma. The male-to-female ratio was 3:1, with a median age of 32 years. Blunt trauma accounted for 66% of injuries. Road traffic accidents were the most common mechanism of injury (44%), followed by assaults (35%). Thirty-four patients (31%) were haemodynamically unstable on arrival at hospital. Pancreatic trauma was associated with injuries to the chest (56%), head (30%) and extremities (30%); 73% of patients had other intra-abdominal injuries. Of those who left the emergency department alive, at least 77% required a laparotomy. The mortality rate (46%) was directly proportional to the number of injuries sustained (P < 0.05) and was higher in patients with increasing age (P < 0.05), haemodynamic instability (P < 0.05) and blunt trauma (P < 0.05).

Conclusions  

Pancreatic trauma is rare in Scotland but is associated with significant mortality. Outcome was worse in patients with advanced age, haemodynamic instability, blunt trauma and multiple injuries.