Blunt Abdominal Trauma

Your abdomen extends from just below your chest to the top of your pelvis. It contains a number of vital organs, including your spleen, liver, pancreas, and stomach. These organs can be injured by the impact from a car accident or fall. Injury from a force that doesn’t break your skin to penetrate your body is known as blunt trauma.

When to go to the emergency room (ER)

Injury to your abdomen can be very serious. For that reason, a person with blunt abdominal trauma should be taken to the ER by trained medical personnel. The effects of blunt trauma often don’t appear right away, so it’s important to see a healthcare provider after a hard blow to the abdomen, even if you feel OK.

What to expect in the ER

Your breathing and pulse will be checked. You also will be examined carefully for injuries. Severe trauma may need surgery right away. Otherwise you will be watched closely for a time. You may also need to have one or more tests to find out the extent of your injuries. These may include:

• Blood or urine tests need a sample of the blood or urine to be taken and checked for problems.

• X-rays use radiation to take pictures of inside the body.

• CT scan combines X-rays and a computer. This gives a detailed picture that can show problems with organs. These include your kidneys, spleen, liver, and stomach.

• Ultrasound uses radio waves to make images of the organs in your abdomen.

• Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) checks fluid from your abdomen for signs of blood or infection.

Based on the test results, you may be admitted to the hospital. Or you may have further care in the ER.