Transcript Document
Abdominal Trauma
Sections
Introduction to Abdominal Injury
Abdominal Anatomy and
Physiology
Pathophysiology of Abdominal
Injury
Assessment of the Abdominal
Injury Patient
Management of the Abdominal
Injury Patient
Introduction to
Abdominal Injury
One of body’s largest cavities
Multiple vital organs
Large volumes of blood can be lost before
signs and symptoms manifest
Must be alert for signs of transmitted injury
Deformity, swelling, & ecchymosis
Prevention
Highway safety
Seatbelt usage
• Proper application
Airbags
Abdominal Anatomy
and Physiology
Boundaries
Superior: Diaphragm
Inferior: Pelvis
Posterior: Vertebral column and posterior
and inferior ribs
Lateral: muscles of the flank
Anterior: Abdominal muscles
(continued)
Abdominal Anatomy
and Physiology
Three Specific Spaces
Peritoneal Space
Organs covered by abdominal (peritoneal) lining
Retroperitoneal Space
Organs posterior to the peritoneal lining
Pelvic Space
Organs contained within pelvis
Organs by Abdominal Quadrant
U
p
p
e
r
Liver, Gallbladder,
Stomach (Small Part)
Small & Large
Intestine
Head of Pancreas
Upper Part of Kidney
L
o
w
e
r
Small & Large
Intestine
Lower part of Kidney
Half of Bladder,
Appendix, Female
Reproductive Organs
Right
Stomach,
Tail of Pancreas
Tail of Liver
Small & Large
Intestine
Upper Part of Kidney
Small & Large
Intestine
Lower part of Kidney
Half of Bladder,
Female Reproductive
Organs
Left
Hollow & Solid
Abdominal Organs
Solid
Liver
Spleen
Pancreas
Kidneys
Ovaries
Hollow
Stomach
Small Intestine
Large
Intestine
Gall Bladder
Bladder
Uterus
Abdominal Anatomy and Physiology
Major Abdominal Structures
Digestive Tract
AKA: Alimentary canal
Structures
Stomach
Small Intestine
Large Intestine
Rectum
Accessory
Organs
Liver
Gallbladder
Pancreas
Urinary System
Kidneys
Ureters
Urinary Bladder
Urethra
Immune System
Spleen
Genitals
Ovaries
Fallopian Tubes
Uterus
Vagina
Abdominal Anatomy and Physiology
Digestive Tract
Function
Churn material to be digested
Excrete digestive juices
Absorb nutrients and water
Components
Stomach
Food mixed with HCl and enzymes to form Chyme
Small bowel
Food moved through bowel by peristalsis
Duodenum
Jejunum
Ileum
Large bowel (Colon)
Rectum
Anus
Abdominal Anatomy and Physiology
Accessory Organs
Liver
Located in upper right quadrant
2.5% of total body weight
Receives 25% of cardiac output and has greatest blood
reserve
Suspended by ligamentum teres
Can lacerate liver in deceration trauma
Function
Detoxifies blood
Removes damaged or aged erythrocytes
Stores glycogen and agents for metabolism
Liver tissue will grow to normal size following partial
removal
Abdominal Anatomy and Physiology
Accessory Organs
Gallbladder
Small hollow organ located behind and beneath liver
Receives bile
Waste product from reprocessing of RBC’s
Used to digest fatty foods (emulsification)
Pancreas
Produces endocrine hormones and exocrine enzymes
Glucagon
Insulin
Digestive enzymes that return the chyme pH to normal
and break down proteins
Abdominal Anatomy
and Physiology
Spleen
Part of immune system
Located behind stomach and lateral to kidney in upper
left quadrant
Function
Immunology
Stores large volume of blood
Most fragile abdominal organ
Commonly injured in blunt trauma affecting the left
flank
Abdominal Anatomy and Physiology
Urinary System
Components
Kidneys
Collect waste products in blood stream
Concentrate products into urine
Reabsorbs water and salt
Regulate body osmotic balance
Adrenal Glands
• Superior & Attached to kidneys
• Component of endocrine system
• Release epinephrine & norepinephrine
Ureters
Urinary bladder
Can contain as much as 500 ml of urine
Urethra
Abdominal Anatomy
and Physiology
Genitalia
Female sexual organs
Represent an open passage to the interior of the abdominal
cavity
Components
Ovaries
Fallopian Tubes
Uterus
Vagina
Male sexual organs
External to the abdomen
Components
• Testes
• Penis
Abdominal Anatomy and Physiology
Pregnant Uterus
Uterine and contents grow rapidly
after conception and until delivery
1st Trimester (0-12 weeks)
Well protected
2nd Trimester (12-24 weeks)
Uterus displaces organs upward
3rd Trimester (24 weeks to term)
Fills entire abdominal cavity
Displaces diaphragm upward
Abdominal Anatomy and Physiology
Pregnant Uterus
Affects on Maternal Physiology
Increases circulatory blood volume by 45%
Greater volume, but fewer RBC’s
• Results in relative anemia
Cardiac output increases by 40%
Heart rate increased by 15 bpm
Compresses the vena cava in 3rd trimester
Reduces venous return
• Supine Hypotensive Syndrome
Abdominal Anatomy and Physiology
Vasculature
Key Vessels
Abdominal aorta
Blood supply to abdomen
Left of spinal column
Iliac arteries
Bifurcation of aorta at the upper sacral level
Inferior Vena Cava
Adjacent to spinal column
(continued)
Abdominal Anatomy and Physiology
Vasculature
Portal System
Venous subsystem
Collects venous blood, fluid and nutrients absorbed
by the bowel
Transports to liver
• Detoxification, Storage of excess nutrients
• Adds deficient nutrients
Abdominal Anatomy and Physiology
Peritoneum
Serous membrane that surrounds the
interior of most of the abdominal cavity
Covers most of small bowel and some of the
abdominal organs
Small amount of fluid between peritoneal
layers
Mesentery
Double fold of peritoneum
Supports and suspends small bowel from posterior
abdominal wall
Omentum
Additional fold
Insulates & protects anterior surface of abdomen
Retroperitoneal Structures
Kidneys
Duodenum
Pancreas
Urinary Bladder
Posterior portions of ascending &
descending colon
Rectum
Major vascular structures
Pathophysiology of Abdominal Injury
Mechanism of Injury
Penetrating Trauma
Energy transmitted to surrounding tissue
Projectile cavitation, pitch & yaw
Results in
Uncontrolled hemorrhage
Organ damage
Spillage of hollow organ contents
Irritation & Inflammation of abdominal lining
Liver most commonly affected organ
Shotgun Trauma
Multiple projectiles
Pathophysiology of Abdominal Injury
Mechanism of Injury
Blunt Trauma
Produces least visible signs of injury
Causes
Deceleration
• Contents damaged by change in velocity
Compression
• Organs trapped between other structures
Shear
• Part of an organ is able to move while another part is fixed
• i.e.: Ligamentum teres
Pathophysiology of Abdominal Injury
Mechanism of Injury
Blast Injuries
Blunt & Penetrating MOI’s
Irregular shaped shrapnel and debris
Pressure wave
Compresses and relaxes air-filled organs
Contuse or rupture organs
Abdominal injury is secondary concern
during blast injury
Pathophysiology of
Abdominal Injury
Injury to the Abdominal Wall
Skin and muscles transmit blunt trauma to internal
structures
Typically only show erythema
Visible swelling and ecchymosis occur over several hours
Penetrating trauma may appear minimal externally in
comparison to internal trauma
Muscle may mask the size of the external wound
Evisceration may be present
Trauma to thorax, buttocks, flanks & back may
penetrate abdomen
Lower chest may injure spleen, liver, stomach or
gallbladder
Diaphragmatic tears
Herniation of abdominal contents into thorax
Pathophysiology of
Abdominal Injury
Injury to the Hollow Organs
May rupture with compression from blunt forces
May tear due to penetrating trauma
Spillage of contents into
Retroperitoneal space
Peritoneal space
Pelvic space
Intestines have a large amount of bacteria
Leakage can result in sepsis
Manifestations of Blood Loss
Hematochezia: Blood in stool
Hematemesis: Blood in emesis
Hematuria: Blood in the urine
Pathophysiology of
Abdominal Injury
Injury to the Solid Organs
Dense and less strongly held together
Prone to contusion
Bleeding
Fracture (rupture)
Unrestricted hemorrhage if organ capsule is ruptured
Specific Organs
Spleen: pain referred to left shoulder
Pancreas: pain radiate to back
Kidneys: pain radiate from flank to groin & hematuria
Liver: pain referred to the right shoulder
Pathophysiology of
Abdominal Injury
Injury to the Vascular Structures
Abdominal Aorta & Vena Cava
Prone to direct blunt or penetrating trauma
May be injured in deceleration injuries
Blood accumulates beneath diaphragm
Irritation of muscular structures
Produces referred pain in the shoulder region
Greater volume of blood can be lost
Presence of blood in abdomen, stimulates vagus nerve
resulting in slowing of heart rate
Blood can isolate in any of the abdominal spaces
Pathophysiology of
Abdominal Injury
Injury to the Mesentery and Bowel
Provides bowel with circulation, innervation, and
attachment
Disrupt blood vessels supplying the bowel
Lead to ischemia, necrosis, or rupture
Blood loss minimal
Peritoneal layers contain hemorrhage
Tear of mesentery may rupture bowel
Penetrating trauma to the lateral abdomen likely to
injure large bowel
Pathophysiology of
Abdominal Injury
Injury to the Peritoneum
Delicate & sensitive lining of anterior abdomen
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum due to
• Bacterial irritation
Due to torn bowel or open wound
• Chemical irritation
Caustic nature of digestive enzymes
Urine initiates inflammatory response
Blood does not induce peritonitis
Progression
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Slight tenderness at location of injury
Rebound tenderness
Guarding
Rigid, board-like feel
Pathophysiology of
Abdominal Injury
Injury to the Pelvis
Serious skeletal injury
Life threatening hemorrhage
Potential injury to pelvic organs
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Ureters
Bladder
Urethra
Female Genitalia
Prostate
Rectum
Anus
Pathophysiology of
Abdominal Injury
Injury During Pregnancy
Trauma is the number one killer of pregnant females
Penetrating abdominal trauma accounts for 36% of
maternal mortality
• GSW account for 40-70% of penetrating trauma
Blunt trauma due to improperly worn seatbelts
• Auto collisions are leading cause of mortality
Changing dimensions of uterus
Protects abdominal organs
Endangers uterus & fetus
Pathophysiology of
Abdominal Injury
Injury During Pregnancy
Maternal Changes
Increasing size & weight of uterus
• Compression of inferior vena cava
• Reduce venous return to heart
Increasing maternal blood volume
• Protect mother from hypovolemia
• 30-35% of blood less necessary before signs of shock
Uterus is thick and muscular
• Distributes forces of trauma uniformly to fetus
Reduces chances for injury
Pathophysiology of
Abdominal Injury
Injury During Pregnancy
Risk of uterine & fetal injury increases with
the length of gestation
Greatest risk during 3rd Trimester
Penetrating trauma may cause fetal and
maternal blood mixing
Blunt trauma complications
Uterine rupture
Abruptio placentae
Premature rupture of amniotic sac
Pathophysiology of
Abdominal Injury
Injury to Pediatric Patients
Children have poorly developed abdominal
musculature & smaller diameter
Rib cage more cartilaginous
Transmits injury to organs beneath easier
Increased incidence of injury to
Liver
Kidney
Spleen
Shock
Compensate well for blood loss
May not show signs and symptoms until 50% of blood is
lost
Assessment of the
Abdominal Injury Patient
Scene Size-up
Must evaluate MOI to assess seriousness of
injury
Identify strength and direction of forces
Velocity of impact
Focus observations and palpation on that site
Develop a mental list of possible organs involved
If auto crash
Determine if seatbelts used properly
Interior signs of impact
• Steering wheel & dashboard deformity
Assessment of the
Abdominal Injury Patient
Scene Size-up
Auto Crash Injury Patterns
Frontal Impact
• Compress abdomen
• Liver, spleen, and rupture of hollow organs
Right Impact
• Liver, ascending colon, & pelvis
Left Impact
• Spleen, descending colon and pelvis
Children & Pedestrians
• Abdominal injuries common
Gunshot Wounds
Type & Caliber of weapon
Is assailant still on scene???
Assessment of the
Abdominal Injury Patient
Initial Assessment
LOC
Drug or alcohol use
Evaluate ABC’s and immediate threats
Assessment of the
Abdominal Injury Patient
Rapid Trauma Assessment
Rapid & Full Trauma Assessment
Closely examine regions with a high index of
suspicion
Expose & Examine for DCAP-BTLS
If suspected pelvic injury DO NOT test pelvis
Palpate entire abdomen
Evaluate for entrance & exit wounds
OPQRST Assessment
• Characteristics of pain
Tenderness versus Rebound tenderness
SAMPLE History
Vital Assessment
Assessment of the
Abdominal Injury Patient
Considerations with Pregnant
Patients
Be observant for
Signs of shock
• PRETREAT: signs may not develop until 30% of blood
volume is lost
• Body begins shunting blood from GI/GU to primary organs
Supine hypotensive syndrome
Premature contractions
Vaginal hemorrhage
• Uterine Rupture versus Abruptio placentae
Uterus development
• Abnormal asymmetry
Assessment of the
Abdominal Injury Patient
Ongoing Assessment
Trend vital signs
Every 5 minutes for critical patients
Evaluate for
Progressive peritonitis
Progressive hemorrhage
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BP & Capillary Refill
Pulse rate & Pulse Oximetry
Mental Status
Skin condition
Ineffective aggressive fluid resuscitation
Management of the
Abdominal Injury Patient
General Management
Position Patient
Position of comfort unless spinal injury
• Flex knees or left lateral recumbent
General shock care
Fluid resuscitation
Large bore IV with isotonic solution
• Consider 2 bolus if pulse does not slow
Fluid challenge 250 ml or 20 ml/kg
• Limit to 3 L
Titrate to SBP of 90 mmHg
PASG application
Specific injury care
Impaled Objects or Eviscerations
Management of the Abdominal Injury Patient
PASG
Contraindications
Concurrent
penetrating chest
trauma
Abdomen inflation
contraindicated in
pregnancy
Inflate legs only
Indications
Evisceration
If SBP <60 mmHg
Intra-abdominal
bleeding
Shock
Incremental inflation
titrated to BP and
Pulse
Management of the
Abdominal Injury Patient
Management of the Pregnant
Patient
Positioning
Left Lateral Recumbent
If on backboard tilt backboard
• Facilitates venous return
Oxygenation
High flow O2
Consider PPV by BVM if hypoxia ensues
Maintain high index of suspicion for intraabdominal bleeding
Consider IV and PASG