INTRODUCTION
Gastrointestinal injury of the stomach, small bowel, colon, or rectum can be due to blunt or penetrating trauma. The nature and severity of the injury depends upon the injury mechanism. Injuries range from minor bruising to complete devascularization for blunt injuries and small perforations to devascularization for penetrating injuries. Associated solid organ injury is common.
The duodenum is frequently injured in association with the pancreas and the management of these combined injuries is complex. The diagnosis and management of duodenal injuries are reviewed separately. (See "Management of duodenal and pancreatic trauma in adults".)
The diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal injury (except duodenum) due to trauma is reviewed here. The general approach to the abdominal trauma patient is discussed elsewhere. (See "Initial evaluation and management of blunt abdominal trauma in adults" and "Initial evaluation and management of abdominal stab wounds in adults" and "Initial evaluation and management of abdominal gunshot wounds in adults".)
ANATOMY