[Treatment of pancreatic injuries after blunt abdominal trauma]

Pancreatic injuries resulting from blunt abdominal trauma are uncommon but carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality for patients. Prompt diagnosis and management are critical to optimize patient outcomes. This review article provides an overview of the different types of pancreatic injuries and the various management strategies available, based on the severity of the injury. In unstable patients with a positive focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST), immediate trauma laparotomy is required. Stable patients should be assessed with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging. Low-grade injuries can be managed with irrigation and drainage. In cases of left-sided ductal injury below the level of the portal vein, left-sided pancreatic resection is often necessary. Higher grade injuries to the pancreatic head need to be evaluated in the context of other accompanying injuries, where damage control may be required. Pancreaticoduodenectomy is a rare intervention and is usually only required in the later course in these cases.