[Abdominal trauma].

Abstract

Extent and seriousness of an abdominal trauma can be defined in 4 clinical stages. Clinical stage IV is characterized by acute bleeding to death caused by injuries of the aorta, V. cava, liver- or hepatic veins. Clinical stage III includes haemorrhage caused by liver or spleen injury. The haemorrhage of the liver which cannot be controlled surgically indicates hepatic artery ligation. In clinical stage II injuries of the duodenum, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract are predominant and necessitate diagnostic procedures. Symptoms of shock prevail in clinical stage I frequently, there are no organ injuries. The midline abdominal incision with possible extension to median sternotomy or right thoracotomy remains the optimal approach.