An abdominal wound may be quite serious because there can be internal bleeding as well as serious injury to intra-abdominal organs. The bowel may protrude out of the wound. Escape of intestinal contents can cause peritoneal infection (peritonitis). Before discussing the treatment of abdominal wounds, it is necessary to know the organs present inside the abdomen or belly.
Abdominal organs
Organs in the abdomen are : (i) Stomach (ii) Liver (iii) Gall bladder (iv) Pancreas (v) Spleen (vi) Small Intestine (vii) Large intestine (viii) Appendix (ix) Kidney (x) Urinary baldder (xi) Ureter.
Abdominal wounds are of two types. Those are either closed abdominal wounds or open abdominal wounds. The treatment differs with the types.
(A) Closed Abdominal Wounds
On the approach of the patient :
– Get a correct history and time of accident.
– Find the level of consciousness, (e.g., Fully conscious, partly conscious or totally unconscious)
Signs and Symptoms
– Pain over the site of injury which is increased by movement of breathing.
– Swelling of the area.
– Shock and its symptoms (e.g. Pallor, cold or calmy skin, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, nausea and vomiting).
First-Aid
– Control external bleeding, if any.
– Do not give any food or drink.
– Note pulse and respiration every half an hour or earlier.
– Loosen tight clothes.
– Cover the body with light blanket.
– Quickly transport to a docor or hospital.
(B) Open Abdominal Wounds First-Aid
(1) Adjust the patient’s position so that the wound does not gap e.g., if the wound is horizontal place him on his back with head and shoulders raised and a pillow under his knees.
(2) If the intestines have come out :
– Cover with clean pads.
– Don’t give anything to eat or drink.
– Obtain medical aid, till then give casualty absolute bed rest.
– If patient is in shock due to profuse internal bleeding, send him to hospital on priority basis.
Lay the casuality on back with knees bent to prevent gaping.
Apply sterile dressing or gauze and a clean pad over the wound and secure with a bandage or adhesive strapping.