Abdominal Trauma

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Abdominal contents

Detailed anatomical knowledge of the abdomen is central in enabling the clinician to systematically assess patients with abdominal trauma and predict likely sites of injury.

The abdominal contents can be divided into:

  • The intra-abdominal structures
  • Retroperitoneal structures
  • The pelvic structures

Learning Bite

Detailed anatomical knowledge will enable an accurate appreciation of likely organ damage.

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Fig 1 The layout of the intra-abdominal contents

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Fig 2 The retroperitoneum and the structures contained within it

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Fig 3 The great vessels of the abdomen and pelvis