Abdominal trauma          Dr. Weiting Liu

Abdominal trauma is a common condition in ER daily practice and the third leading cause of traumatic death. The abdomen is the largest body cavity which contains the most organs including: liver, spleen, kidney, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, bladder, large blood vessels, etc. Abdominal organ injuries may cause significant blood loss, shock and risk of systemic infection, which can be life-threatening.

Exigency clinicians managing blunt trauma must maintain a high degree of clinical dubitation for intra-abdominal injury, particularly in cases with suggestive high speed mechanisms, signs of external trauma, or an altered sensorium due to head injury or intoxication. Prompt reanimation of the unstable case with blunt abdominal trauma must coincide with the physical examination and individual testing aimed at determining the presence or absence of hemoperitoneum and organ injury.

Because trauma patients often have multiple injuries, conscious disturbance, chest or pelvic injuries, body surface abrasions, and contusion, it is difficult to get an early diagnosis of abdominal trauma only by physical examination. Diagnostic tools, such as ultrasound (FAST) and computed tomography are needed for physicians to assess the intra-abdominal condition and determination for further treatment (such as emergent surgery, interventional radiation treatment, ICU care, etc.)

In Penghu County, most travelers or visitors use rental cars or motorcycles during summer. Thus, motor vehicle accidents happened the most from June to August. Dr. Liu suggested “Defensive driving “concepts including think safety, beware of your surroundings, and no speeding or drunken driving. With safe driving behavior, the risk of trauma can be significantly reduced.