Abdominal Trauma

in: Topics in Trauma Surgery, Selim Sözen, Editor, IntechOpen, London, pp.1-15, 2023

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.