[Diagnosis and treatment of abdominal trauma]

Abdominal trauma represents the leading cause of haemorrhagic shock in the severely injured patient and is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. The trauma surgeon has a central role in the multidisciplinary team addressing the specific diagnostic and therapeutic needs of patients with abdominal trauma. The management of blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma has undergone substantial changes in recent decades. Major innovations have been established in the field of diagnostic imaging and of nonoperative interventions such as angioembolization and endoscopic procedures. Another key development is the introduction of the damage control concept for the care of patients with abdominal trauma. The present manuscript comprises a review of the current management of abdominal trauma with an emphasis on diagnostic and therapeutic innovations.