Clinical features

There is usually a history of trauma however minor.

The features of abdominal trauma include:

• visible bruises e.g. seatbelt bruise
• acute persistent abdominal pain and tenderness
• rebound tenderness, guarding and rigidity
• haemorrhage will precipitate hypovolaemic shock which is resistant to fluid resuscitation
• shoulder pain
• abdominal distension and loss of bowel sounds suggests retroperitoneal haemorrhage

If the history and examination are not conclusive then special investigations should be planned.