Abdominal Trauma

Abstract

Abdominal trauma accounts for 7–10% of hospital admissions due to trauma. Depending on the mechanism of occurrence, abdominal traumas are classified as either blunt or penetrating. The most important risk after trauma is hypovolemic shock. Deaths caused by blunt trauma are frequently the result of diagnostic difficulties and treatment delays. Abdominal surgery after traumatic injury is performed for two reasons; bleeding due to injury to vascular structures or a solid organ (e.g., spleen, liver, kidney) or injury due to perforation of a hollow organ (stomach, small intestine, colon, gallbladder). Patients may remain asymptomatic until they have lost 50–60% of their blood volume. Through inspection, auscultation, and palpation, the damaged organs and the presence of hemorrhage should be examined during the physical examination. The findings of peritoneal irritation are incredibly critical. Even though some studies indicate a mortality rate as high as 25.8% for abdominal injuries, the overall mortality rate is 10%. Other studies reveal mortality rates ranging from 15% to 17.1%. It should not be forgotten that the patient with abdominal trauma may have multi-trauma. The patient’s vital signs, abdominal examination, and hematocrit should be checked at frequent intervals. Early surgical evaluation is important. It is important to remember that the main source of bleeding and shock may be the abdomen.