E-FAST and Abdominal Ultrasound

Blunt thoracic and abdominal trauma is quite common across the world and has a poor prognosis because of lack of prompt diagnosis and appropriate management. Clinical examination can be inaccurate in the context of trauma setting, especially in the background of haemodynamic disturbances. Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (E-FAST) is a point-of-care ultrasound examination (POCUS) for the early detection of various pathological conditions like haemoperitoneum, haemopericardium, haemothorax, and pneumothorax. E-FAST examination, an essential component of Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocol, performed in emergency room for trauma victims can help in quick decision-making, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. However, like any other diagnostic modality, E-FAST has certain limitations which the clinicians must consider while interpreting the findings along with proper history taking and correlating with the clinical finding. E-FAST, an easy-to-learn, practice, and teach, point-of-care ultrasound technique, is routinely being utilised by Emergency Room physicians, Trauma Surgeons, Intensivists and Anaesthesiologists as a diagnostic modality in the perioperative and emergency settings.