Tag Archives: exploratory laparotomy

PUBLISHED: Exploratory Laparotomy and Splenectomy for Ruptured Spleen Following Blunt Force Trauma

Exploratory Laparotomy and Splenectomy for Ruptured Spleen Following Blunt Force Trauma
Sebastian K. Chung, MD1Ashley Suah, MD2Daven Patel, MD, MPH2Nadim Michael Hafez, MD2Brian Williams, MD2
1University of Massachusetts Medical School
2UChicago Medicine

The spleen is highly vascular, is the largest secondary lymphoid organ, and is the most commonly injured organ in the setting of blunt abdominal trauma. Patients may present asymptomatically or with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, or signs of hemodynamic instability. Although many splenic injuries caused by blunt abdominal trauma may be managed conservatively, free intra-abdominal fluid with hemodynamic instability warrant surgical management in the form of exploratory laparotomy and splenectomy.

This video report demonstrates the management of a patient who was assaulted, sustaining blunt abdominal trauma and a hemodynamically significant grade IV splenic laceration. An exploratory laparotomy and splenectomy were performed.

PUBLISHED: Exploratory Laparotomy in a Hemodynamically Stable Patient for an Abdominal Gunshot Wound

Exploratory Laparotomy in a Hemodynamically Stable Patient for an Abdominal Gunshot Wound
Matthew Daniel1Ashley Suah, MD2Brian Williams, MD2
1Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn
2UChicago Medicine

Gunshot wounds to the abdomen are one of the most classic trauma cases a surgeon will come across in their career. The high velocity of a bullet can cause massive internal and external trauma to the abdomen. Exploration of the small bowel using laparotomy is often indicated after a penetrating traumatic injury or when peritoneal signs are present.

This video article shows the most common techniques for performing an exploratory laparotomy. In this case, the abdomen was explored and was revealed to show a through-and-through gunshot wound to the jejunum, as well as a partial-thickness tear of the proximal cecum; the abdomen was explored for any smaller bleeds or leaks, and the abdomen was closed.

PREPRINT RELEASE: Exploratory Laparotomy and Splenectomy for Ruptured Spleen Following Blunt Force Trauma


Exploratory Laparotomy and Splenectomy for Ruptured Spleen Following Blunt Force Trauma
UChicago Medicine

Brian Williams, MD
Associate Professor of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery
Co-Director, Surgical Intensive Care Unit

Ashley Suah, MD
Resident Physician
General Surgery

Daven Patel, MD, MPH
Resident Physician
Emergency Medicine

Nadim Michael Hafez, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Emergency Medicine

The patient in this case was assaulted and sustained blunt force trauma to the abdomen. She was intermittently hypotensive, FAST exam revealed free fluid, and CT scan showed a grade IV splenic laceration. Here, Dr. Williams and Dr. Suah at UChicago Medicine perform an exploratory laparotomy and splenectomy.

PREPRINT RELEASE: Exploratory Laparotomy in a Hemodynamically Stable Patient for an Abdominal Gunshot Wound

Exploratory Laparotomy in a Hemodynamically Stable Patient for an Abdominal Gunshot Wound
UChicago Medicine

Brian Williams, MD
Associate Professor of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery
Co-Director, Surgical Intensive Care Unit

Ashley Suah, MD
Resident Physician
General Surgery

The patient in this case presented with an abdominal gunshot wound and peritonitis. Here, Dr. Williams and Dr. Suah perform an exploratory laparotomy and repair a through-and-through gunshot wound to the distal jejunum and a partial-thickness injury to the proximal cecum.