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Blunt Abdominal Injury : General ConsiderationsInjuries to the abdomen are divided into BLUNT and PENETRATING injuries. Most penetrating abdominal injuries are sustained via stab wounds or gun shot wounds. Their management is relatively straight forward, requiring surgery (exploratory laparotomy) if there has been complete penetration of the abdominal wall. Cases of questionable penetration can be further investigated with peritoneal lavage. This test involves the introduction of a thin, flexible plastic catheter placed through a small incision made by the umbilicus (belly button). Through this tube, fluid is introduced into the abdomen, then allowed to "run back out." Microscopic analysis of the fluid for blood may indicate the presence or absence of significant internal injury. This test will tell the doctor if the patient requires emergency surgery. BLUNT abdominal injury represents a greater diagnostic challenge to the physician. These injuries can be as severe as the penetrating type, but more difficult to diagnose. Classic examples of blunt abdominal injury are provided daily on our nation's highways. The spleen and liver are the most commonly injured organs in blunt abdominal trauma. Diagnostic accuracy has been greatly enhanced by peritoneal lavage and CT-scanning of the abdomen. This painless x-ray allows the doctor to view the internal organs, enabling a quick decision as to the proper therapeutic approach. Both of these organs are quite vascular (containing many blood vessels) and hemorrhagic shock (due to internal bleeding), followed by death, is quite common in severe, and/or untreated cases. Common symptoms of serious abdominal injury are: prolonged nausea and vomiting, dizziness upon standing, fainting, rapid heart rate (greater than 100 beats per minute), abdominal pain and swelling. Any penetrating abdominal wound is serious, even with the absence of the above symptoms. All serious abdominal injuries should be evaluated by a qualified emergency physician. A general surgeon will be consulted where appropriate.
|  Hip Dislocation Hip Fracture Insect Stings and Spider Bites Human and Animal Bites Shoulder Injury Fracture Toxic Inhalations and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Facial Injury Jaw Fracture and Dislocation Kidney Injury Knee Injury General Considerations Knee Injury Contusion Knee Injury Fracture Knee Injury Sprain Stab Wounds Leg Injury Fractures and Contusions Leg Injury Shin Splints Lightning Injury Oral and Tongue Injuries Nasal Fracture or Contusion Neck Injury General Considerations Neck Injury Fracture Neck Injury Spinal Cord Injury Pelvic Bone Fracture Puncture Wounds Chest Injury Rib Fracture Back Injury Sacrococcygeal Injury Scorpion Bites Abrasion Injuries Shoulder Injury Clavicle Fracture Shoulder Injury Strains and Sprains Snakebite Neck Injury Spinal Cord Injury Abdominal Injury Ruptured Spleen Foot Injury Toe Fracture and Sprain Vaginal or Vulvar Injury Drowning and Near Drowning |
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