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Chapter 15 - Abdominal and Flank Trauma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 August 2019

By
Michael Gottlieb
Edited by
Alex Koyfman  and
Brit Long
Alex Koyfman
Affiliation:
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Brit Long
Affiliation:
San Antonio Military Medical Center
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Summary

Abdominal trauma is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, with abdominal injuries occurring in approximately 1% of all trauma patients.1 However, abdominal trauma accounts for over 20% of all trauma-related deaths.2 Abdominal and flank trauma may result in direct injury to a number of important structures, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, diaphragm, pancreas, and intestines. Unfortunately, the diagnosis may be challenging, as patients often present with multiple other injuries and may not be able to provide a reliable history or examination.3

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Chapter
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The Emergency Medicine Trauma Handbook , pp. 213 - 231
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2019

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