Abdominal trauma

Abdominal trauma is an injury to the abdomen. It can be blunt or penetrating and may involve damage to the abdominal organs.

Types of Abdominal Trauma

There are two types of abdominal trauma: blunt trauma and penetrating trauma.

Blunt Trauma

Blunt abdominal trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among all age groups. Identification of serious intra-abdominal pathology is often challenging; many injuries may not manifest during the initial assessment and treatment period.

Penetrating Trauma

Penetrating abdominal trauma is usually the result of gunshot or stab wounds. The management of penetrating trauma differs from that of blunt trauma as the likelihood of significant intra-abdominal injury is higher.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of abdominal trauma can be different depending on the type of injury. They can include abdominal pain, tenderness, rigidity, and bruising of the external abdomen.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of abdominal trauma begins with a thorough physical examination. In some cases, diagnostic tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or laparotomy may be needed.

Treatment

Treatment of abdominal trauma depends on the severity and type of injury. It can range from observation and rest to emergency surgery.

See Also

• Trauma (medicine)
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal examination

References

Abdominal trauma Resources
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