Abdominal Trauma

exp date isn't null, but text field is

This may present as a blunt or penetrating injury to the abdomen.

Cause

  • Road traffic accidents 
  • Gunshots
  • Violence
  • Trauma to the abdomen 

Symptoms

  • Pain 
  • Vomiting 
  • Distended abdomen

Signs

  • Distended abdomen
  • Tenderness and rebound tenderness
  • Guarding 
  • Tympanitic percussion sound 
  • Reduced or absent bowel sounds
  • Point of penetration

Investigations

  • Plain and erect abdominal X-ray
  • Abdominal CT scan
  • BUE and Creatinine 
  • Abdominal ultrasound scan
  • Diagnostic peritoneal lavage 
  • Blood grouping and cross matching

TreatmentTreatment Objectives

  • To correct fuid and electrolyte imbalance 
  • To decompress bowel
  • To repair damaged viscus
  • To prevent infection
  • To relieve pain

Non-pharmacological treatment

  • Insert an NG tube
  • Surgical repair of damaged viscus if necessary

Pharmacological treatment 

For infection control

1st Line Treatment

Evidence Rating: [A]

  • Cefuroxime, IV,

Adults

750 mg 8 hourly for 7-14 days

Children 

> 3 months 25 mg/kg body weight 12 hourly for 7-14  days

And  

  • Metronidazole, IV,

Adults

500 mg 8 hourly for 7-14 days

Children 

7.5 mg/kg 8 hourly for 7-14 days

Referral Criteria

Refer all cases to a general surgeon.