Abdominal Trauma

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

  1. American College of Surgeons. ATLS Student Course Manual, 10th edition. 2018.
  2. Argall J. Factor VIIa for intractable blood loss in trauma. BestBETs. 2002. view document
  3. Assessment of abdominal trauma in adults – Differential diagnosis of symptoms | BMJ Best Practice, 2022.
  4. 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.
  5. Garner, J. Blunt and penetrating trauma to the abdomen. Surgery, 4th edition.
  6. 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.
  7. Hayes CW, Conway WF, et al. Seat belt injuries: radiologic findings and clinical correlation. Radiographics. 1991 Jan;11(1):23-36.

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