To compare the effect of laparoscopic exploration and exploratory laparotomy in treating abdominal trauma with gastrointestinal injury.

Between September 2010 and September 2015, one hundred and fifty-eight patients of abdominal trauma with gastrointestinal injury were selected as research subjects. According to different surgical techniques, they were divided into the observation group and control group. Laparoscopy was used for observation group, while laparotomy was used in the control group. Operative time, blood loss, postoperative exhaustion time and recovery time of gastrointestinal function were compared, as well as postoperative pain and complications.

Surgical incision length and intraoperative bleeding in observation group were significantly lower than the control group, and operative time, postoperative exhaustion time, first time ambulation, hospital stay and recovery time of gastrointestinal function were significantly shortened compared with control group (P<0.05). In postoperative 12, 24, and 48 h, the VAS scores in observation group were significantly lower than the control group, and analgesic usage rate was significantly lower than the control group (t=14.301, 9.841, 18.927, χ²=5.257, all P<0.05). For a 3-month follow-up, postoperative complications in observation group were significantly lower than the group (χ²=4.119, P=0.042).

Laparoscopic exploration, a qualitative and extensive clinical diagnosis and treatment choice, shows smaller surgical trauma, quicker recovery, lower pain and fewer complications in treating abdominal trauma with gastrointestinal injury.