Abdominal Trauma Evaluation for the Pediatric Surgeon

Trauma is the leading cause of pediatric mortality and abdominal injury is a significant contributor to morbidity. The assessment of abdominal trauma in children must be conducted expeditiously and thoroughly. Physical examination, laboratory testing, and imaging are central to trauma evaluation. In children with minor injury, protocols may help to limit the use of ionizing radiation. Children with significant abdominal injury who are unstable should be resuscitated with blood products and undergo emergent surgical intervention.