Urgent ultrasonographic diagnostics in acute traumatic abdominal conditions: Urgent ultrasound in abdominal trauma

Abstract

Clearly defined protocols and multidisciplinary approach present a milestone for patients' condition evaluation. Ultrasound is a fast, accessible, non-invasive and repeatable radiological examination and has an important place in the trauma algorithms. It detects trauma of parenchymal and hollow abdominal organs, hematoperitoneum, and helps in the assessment of volume status. Ultrasound in trauma is performed according to the Focused Assessment with Sonography for the Trauma (FAST) protocol or as a standard ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen and can be repeated to monitor morphological changes due to indications for emergency surgical treatment.

Keywords

• ultrasound
• trauma
• abdomen
• free fluid