Algorithm in abdominal trauma

Even though abdominal traumas still constitute a small percentage of bodily injuries, their number has been growing considerably over the recent years, and they are one of the main life threats after accidents. A particular increase in the number of patients with abdominal trauma can be observed in patients with multiple bodily injuries. The efficacy of their therapy depends on correct procedures, equipment and specialistic treatment at the pre-hospital stage, at the hospital emergency ward, at the operation theatre and at the intensive care unit. Procedures complying to the rules of the Advanced Trauma Live Support at the site of the accident and while transporting the patient, modern diagnostic methods with an application of ultrasonographic examination and computed tomography allow to increase the survival rate of the patients. A quick diagnosis in the case of massive bleedings into the abdominal cavity following multiorgan injuries offers a chance of survival. The paper presents the rules of proceeding with patients suffering from blunt and penetrating injuries of the abdominal cavity. The main factor, decisive for the diagnostic possibilities and the choice of treatment is the patient’s haemodynamic stability. The paper describes the emergency procedure in abbreviated laparotomy and damage control procedures as well as the procedure of staged laparotomy. Attention has been paid to a partly different procedure in the case of abdominal trauma coexisting with injuries of other body areas, and to the growing number of indications for preservative treatment, mainly of isolated abdominal traumas, including the use of interventional radiology.