Paramedics transport a 32-year-old man to the trauma resuscitation bay following an altercation outside a restaurant. The patient sustained a single stab wound to the left lower abdominal quadrant. He is awake, alert, and conversant. Vital signs show a temperature of (), heart rate of , respiratory rate of , and blood pressure of . Physical examination reveals a laceration in the left lower quadrant with a segment of omentum actively protruding through the defect. The remainder of the abdomen is soft and non-tender. Two large-bore intravenous lines are established. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
- Immediate exploratory laparotomyCevap
- BComputed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast
- CLocal wound exploration under local anesthesia
- DFocused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST)
- EIntravenous administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics and serial abdominal examinations
Cevap
Immediate exploratory laparotomy is required due to the presence of an evisceration.
The most appropriate next step in management is an immediate exploratory laparotomy. In the setting of penetrating abdominal trauma, there are three absolute 'hard signs' that mandate immediate surgical exploration: hemodynamic instability, generalized peritonitis (e.g., rebound tenderness, rigidity), and evisceration of intra-abdominal contents (such as bowel or omentum). Because this patient has an obvious evisceration, the peritoneal cavity has definitively been breached, and there is a high likelihood of underlying hollow viscus or solid organ injury. Proceeding directly to the operating room is required to assess for and repair internal injuries, regardless of the fact that the patient currently has normal vital signs and a soft abdomen.
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Anahtar Kavram
Patients with penetrating abdominal trauma who exhibit 'hard signs' (evisceration, peritonitis, or hemodynamic instability) require immediate exploratory laparotomy, regardless of normal vital signs.