Authors: Marie-Clare Harris / Editor: Mehdi Teeli / Reviewer: Rafeeq Ahmed Sulaiman / Codes: T1 / Published: 15/09/2020
This module provides a plan for the initial assessment and management of abdominal trauma. It should enable you to think ahead and try to predict what underlying intra-abdominal injuries a patient may have sustained.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:
- Describe the importance of mechanism of injury in blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma
- List the steps to perform an appropriate assessment of the abdomen as part of the structured primary survey
- Describe appropriate resuscitative measures in patients with abdominal trauma
- Demonstrate a rational approach to diagnostic studies in blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma
- Identify patients that require urgent surgical intervention after abdominal trauma
Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should have:
- A good knowledge of the anatomy of the abdomen and the organ systems contained within
- An understanding of the physiology of hypovolaemia and shock, and the body’s response to pain and injury
References
- American College of Surgeons. ATLS Student Course Manual, 10th edition. 2018.
- Argall J. Factor VIIa for intractable blood loss in trauma. BestBETs. 2002. view document
- Assessment of abdominal trauma in adults – Differential diagnosis of symptoms | BMJ Best Practice, 2022.
- Dutton RP, Mackenzie CF, Scalea TM. Hypotensive Resuscitation during Active Hemorrhage: Impact on In-Hospital Mortality. The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care 52(6):p 1141-1146, June 2002.
- Garner, J. Blunt and penetrating trauma to the abdomen. Surgery, 4th edition.
- Germanos S, Gourgiotis S, et al. Damage control surgery in the abdomen: an approach for the management of severe injured patients. Int J Surg. 2008 Jun;6(3):246-52.
- Hayes CW, Conway WF, et al. Seat belt injuries: radiologic findings and clinical correlation. Radiographics. 1991 Jan;11(1):23-36.