The Management of Abdominal Injuries in the Presence of Head Injury

When head and blunt abdominal injuries are combined, the head injury is often afforded too much attention and the abdominal injury too little, especially when the patient is unconscious. If mismanaged, the abdominal injury is often the more serious threat to life. Except for extradural hemorrhage, neurosurgical intervention, when indicated, can be delayed until the patient has been thoroughly evaluated for the presence of extra cranial injuries with higher therapeutic priority.Abdominal examination of the unconscious or uncooperative patient is difficult. Tenderness as a sign of abdominal injury cannot be elicited. Abdominal rigidity (in the absence of rigid extremities), a silent abdomen, shock, and extreme restlessness may indicate intra-abdominal changes. Abdominal paracentesis is a valuable diagnostic aid, and the finding of blood, bile-stained fluid, intestinal contents or air is an indication for immediate laparotomy. Once all injuries are known, priorities for treatment can be assigned. Often head and abdominal injuries can be treated concomitantly.