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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
10:51
Evaluating Primary Blast Effects In Vitro
Published on: September 18, 2017
Abdominal trauma in primary blast injury
C Owers1, J L Morgan, J P Garner
1Department of General Surgery, Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, Moorgate Road, Rotherham S60 2UD, UK.
The British Journal of Surgery
|November 25, 2010
Summary
Primary blast injury (PBI) to the abdomen is uncommon but can cause significant harm. It is more frequent in enclosed spaces and underwater, affecting organs like the ileum and cecum.
Area of Science:
- Traumatology
- Explosive ordnance disposal medicine
- Gastrointestinal surgery
Background:
- Primary blast injury (PBI) arises from blast wave interaction with gas-filled organs.
- Abdominal PBI is poorly understood by clinicians outside active warfare zones.
- This review focuses on abdominal injuries from blast exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of abdominal primary blast injury.
- To review injuries sustained to the abdomen following blast exposure.
- To determine the incidence of abdominal PBI.
Main Methods:
- MEDLINE search using keywords: 'primary blast injury', 'abdominal blast', 'abdominal blast injury'.
- Inclusion of English language reports detailing clinical or experimental abdominal PBI.
- Calculation of abdominal PBI incidence in survivors of air blast, open- and enclosed-space detonations.
Main Results:
- Sixty-one articles on abdominal PBI were identified.
- Abdominal PBI incidence was 3.0% in 1040 hospitalized survivors of air blast.
- The terminal ileum and cecum were most frequently affected; surgical management mirrors other abdominal trauma.
Conclusions:
- Abdominal PBI is uncommon but carries significant mortality and morbidity risks.
- Symptoms may manifest days after the initial blast exposure.
- Incidence is higher following detonations in enclosed spaces and underwater.
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