Management of blunt abdominal trauma – splenic injury

Overview

Blunt abdominal injury often occurs as a result of road traffic crashes and falls. It is a common body
region injured, with up to 22% of traumatic injury following trauma. Blunt abdominal injury can often be
challenging to diagnose with significant injury present without external signs of trauma. (ANZTR Annual Report 2018-2019).

A direct blow to the abdomen can cause solid organ rupture, visceral damage and haemorrhage, contamination from peritoneal contents and peritonitis.

The spleen, liver and small bowel are commonly injured following blunt trauma.
Significant injury should be suspected with the presence of a seatbelt injury, peritonitis- with rebound
tenderness or guarding, hypotension (SBP <90mmHg) and other associated trauma. (Diercks & Clarke, 2016).

Haemodynamic assessment to determine:

• Investigation profile.
• Urgency of diagnosis.
• Resuscitation strategies.
• Definitive care.

Description

This resource kit provides healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills to assess and manage a patient with blunt abdominal trauma.

Learning objectives

• Demonstrate the effective assessment of a patient with blunt abdominal trauma.
• Recognise and effectively manage a patient with haemodynamic compromise.

Downloads

Further reading