Following a kick to the left flank by a horse, a 45-year-old man arrives at the trauma center. He complains of severe left-sided abdominal pain that radiates to his left shoulder. Upon arrival, he appears in significant distress. Vital signs are temperature 36.8°C (98.2°F), blood pressure 105/65 mm Hg, pulse 112/min, and respirations 18/min. Oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. Two large-bore intravenous lines are established, and he is rapidly infused with 1 L of lactated Ringer solution. Following the fluid resuscitation, his blood pressure improves to 128/76 mm Hg and his pulse decreases to 88/min. Physical examination reveals ecchymosis over the left lower ribs and significant tenderness in the left upper quadrant with voluntary guarding. Breath sounds are clear and equal bilaterally. A bedside focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) reveals a moderate amount of anechoic fluid in the splenorenal recess. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvisCevap
- BExploratory laparotomy
- CDiagnostic peritoneal lavage
- DAngiography with empiric embolization
- EDiagnostic laparoscopy