Abdominal trauma is one of the most common causes of preventable trauma-related deaths.
The majority of abdominal injury is caused by blunt trauma. Blunt abdominal injury typically occurs when the abdomen is directly compressed by, or against, a fixed object. In many blunt trauma instances, the trauma may cause tears in the viscera of the solid organs, namely the spleen and liver. Other injuries may occur as the result of deceleration forces, which can cause tears in the fixed areas of the organs and the blood vessels, namely the liver and renal arteries. Blunt trauma may also cause ruptures in the hollow organs.
A person who sustained blunt trauma within the abdominal region, he or she may not show pronounced signs of the injury. In some instances, the individual may have little to no pain and will not show signs of the injury externally.
Seatbelts, car accidents, sports, hernias, direct abdominal muscle impact are all cause of abdominal trauma.
In many patients, organ damage, especially hemorrhage, may not become apparent for days or weeks. After this time, the patient may experience systematic dysfunction or organ failure. It is crucial those individuals who sustain extreme, direct impact to the abdominal region be examined thoroughly.
Abdominal trauma is complex in nature. The abdominal region is comprised of a number of organs, solid and hollow, major arteries, vessels, and tissue. An injury can have an impact on a number of areas within the abdominal region, which poses a significant risk to the individual. It is imperative to seek medical treatment right away.
Be safe,
Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com
