Pathology

Non-penetrating abdominal trauma may damage:

• the abdominal wall:
  • haematomata and bruises are common
    
    
• the contents of the abdomen:
  
  
• solid organs:
  • solid organs which are prone to damage include the liver, kidney and spleen
  • intracapsular haematoma and frank haemorrhage are the common disorders
  • blood loss may precipitate circulatory shock
    
    
• hollow organs:
  • the bowel is prone to damage where it is retroperitoneal and hence less mobile
  • danger areas include the duodenum, caecum and colonic flexures