Medical Blog

Biliary Trauma

Introduction
Background

Isolated injury to the extrahepatic biliary tract and the gallbladder may occur from a thoracoabdominal injury or an iatrogenic trauma.

This article considers both blunt trauma and penetrating trauma to the extrahepatic biliary tract and the gallbladder. This article also covers the impact of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which has led to an increasing incidence of bile duct injury. Read more…

Abdominal Trauma, Penetrating

Introduction
History of the Procedure

The management of penetrating abdominal trauma (PAT) has evolved greatly over the last century.

Prior to World War I, penetrating trauma was managed expectantly. During World War II, however, studies showed that early laparotomy improved survival. By the late 1950s, laparotomy was the standard treatment of patients with PAT. In 1960, Shaftan suggested the selective management of patients with abdominal stab wounds after observing an increased rate of laparotomies without identifiable injuries. More recently, expectant management has also been used in the treatment of specific gunshot wounds (GSWs) to the abdomen. Read more…

Abdominal Trauma, Blunt

Introduction

The care of the trauma patient is demanding and requires speed and efficiency. Evaluating patients who have sustained blunt abdominal trauma remains one of the most challenging and resource-intensive aspects of acute trauma care. Missed intra-abdominal injuries and concealed hemorrhage are frequent causes of increased morbidity and mortality, especially in patients who survive the initial phase after an injury. Read more…