Abdominal trauma

Injury to the abdomen

Abdominal trauma refers to an injury to the abdomen. It can be classified as either blunt trauma or penetrating trauma. Abdominal trauma can involve damage to the abdominal wall, the abdominal cavity, or the retroperitoneal space.

Classification

Abdominal trauma is classified into two main types:

Blunt abdominal trauma

Blunt abdominal trauma is caused by a direct impact to the abdomen, such as from a car accident, fall, or assault. It is the most common type of abdominal trauma and can result in injury to solid organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys.

Penetrating abdominal trauma

Penetrating abdominal trauma occurs when an object pierces the abdominal wall, such as a knife or bullet. This type of trauma can cause damage to both solid and hollow organs, leading to complications like peritonitis or hemorrhage.

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of abdominal trauma can vary depending on the severity and type of injury. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Tenderness
• Bruising or swelling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Signs of shock

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of abdominal trauma typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Common diagnostic tools include:

• Ultrasound: Often used in the form of a Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exam to quickly assess for internal bleeding.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: Provides detailed images of the abdominal organs and can help identify injuries such as liver lacerations or kidney hematomas.
• X-ray: Can be used to detect free air in the abdomen, indicating a perforated organ.

Management

The management of abdominal trauma depends on the type and severity of the injury. Treatment options include:

• Observation: Minor injuries may only require monitoring and supportive care.
• Surgical intervention: Severe injuries, especially those involving major bleeding or organ perforation, may require laparotomy or other surgical procedures.
• Non-operative management: Some injuries, such as certain liver or spleen lacerations, can be managed without surgery through careful monitoring and supportive care.

Complications

Complications from abdominal trauma can include:

• Infection
• Peritonitis
• Sepsis
• Organ failure

Related pages

• Trauma surgery
• Emergency medicine
• Blunt trauma
• Penetrating trauma

Gallery

• 

  Diagram of abdominal trauma

• 

  Anatomy of the abdomen

• 

  CT scan showing kidney hematoma

• 

  X-ray showing pneumoperitoneum

• 

  CT scan showing liver and kidney

Abdominal_trauma

• 

  Abdominal trauma illustration

• 

  Anatomy of the abdomen

• 

  Kidney hematoma

• 

  X-ray showing pneumoperitoneum

• 

  CT scan showing liver and kidney