Ministry of Health

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 Published: 28/11/2011

Penetrating Abdominal Trauma

Because the diaphragm reaches the level of the fourth intercostal space on full expiration, any penetrating wound below the nipples anteriorly or tips of the scapulae posteriorly are considered potentially abdominal. Gunshot wounds mandate laparotomy. Stab wounds are managed according to the algorithm in figure 4  (appendix).

Last updated on 28/11/2011