Blunt abdominal injuries

The management of blunt abdominal injury (BAI) has undergone quite signific ant changes over recent years. The emphasis is now on the recognition and l imitation of the underlying metabolic insult associated with severe abdomin al injury. The concepts of damage control and non-operative management whil e seeming diametrically opposed have both found favour in selected patient groups. The interventional radiologist has opened a new dimension in the co ntrol of inaccessible bleeding and is able to contribute to non-operative a pproaches. The complimentary use of the methods of investigation available for BAI will also improve the accuracy and specificity of diagnosis allowin g more appropriate management. Embracing these new concepts of management b y all institutions dealing with trauma victims will hopefully reduce the mo rbidity and mortality of BAI.