injuries and poisoning
Overview of Abdominal Injuries
Complications of Abdominal Injuries
In addition to the immediate damage, abdominal injuries may also cause problems later on. These delayed problems include Hematoma rupture Intra-abdominal collection of pus ( Abdominal Abscesses ) Intestine blockage ( Intestinal Obstruction ) Abdominal compartment syndrome The body is usually able to reabsorb collections of blood (hematomas), although it may take several days to weeks. However, a hematoma sometimes ruptures rather than being resorbed. Rupture can occur within the first few days after injury, but sometimes rupture occurs later, occasionally even months later. Spleen Injury or Rupture of a hematoma of the wall of the intestine can allow intestinal contents to leak into the abdomen and cause peritonitis. Intestinal wall hematomas sometimes form a scar when they heal. This scarring can cause narrowing of the intestine at that spot that leads to intestinal obstruction, typically years later. Abdominal Abscesses may occur if injury to a hollow organ is not detected. Abscesses may also form after surgery to repair a serious abdominal injury. Sometimes scar tissue forms after an injury heals or after surgery on the abdomen. That scar tissue forms fibrous bands (adhesions) between loops of intestine. Usually, these adhesions cause no symptoms, but sometimes another loop of intestine gets twisted under an adhesion. This twisting can block the intestine ( Intestinal Obstruction ) and cause abdominal pain and vomiting. Sometimes surgery is required to remove the adhesion and unblock the intestine. Just as a sprained ankle or broken arm swells, abdominal organs swell after an injury (particularly if there was surgery). Although there is usually enough room in the abdomen for such swelling, unchecked swelling ultimately increases pressure in the abdomen. The increased pressure squeezes the organs and restricts their blood supply, which causes pain and then organ damage. Such pressure-related damage is called abdominal compartment syndrome. It is much like Compartment Syndrome that can occur in the lower leg when injured by, for example, a fracture. Increased abdominal pressure may eventually also increase pressure in other body tissues, such as the lungs, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and central nervous system. Abdominal compartment syndrome tends to develop in people with severe injuries or injuries that require surgery. Abdominal compartment syndrome is extremely serious and increases the risk of death. 