injuries poisoning
Overview of Abdominal Trauma
Key Points
Complications of abdominal injuries can be acute (eg, bleeding) or delayed (eg, abscess, obstruction or ileus, delayed hematoma rupture). The abdominal examination does not reliably indicate the severity of abdominal injury. If patients have evisceration, shock due to penetrating abdominal trauma, or peritonitis, do exploratory laparotomy without delay for diagnostic testing. Unless there is clear evidence that laparotomy is indicated or the mechanism of injury is minor, imaging (typically ultrasonography or CT) is typically required after blunt or penetrating trauma. If pain gradually increases or clinical signs suggest deterioration, suspect a delayed complication. 