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.
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