BLUNT ABDOMINAL-TRAUMA

Blunt abdominal trauma is associated with a low risk of injury to the microorganism-containing hollow viscera. Therefore, routine pre-operat ive administration of antibiotics is not necessary. Antibiotics are gi ven intraoperatively, if laparotomy discloses transmural injury of a h ollow organ and peritoneal contamination. If intervention is early (<1 2 hours) and there is no evidence of purulent exudate in the abdominal cavity, the antibiotic should be considered prophylactic and not exce ed one dose. Neglected injuries should be treated with antibiotics for a maximum of 5 days.