Abstract
Major abdominal vascular injuries are noted in 5%-10% of patients undergoing laparotomy for blunt trauma. In contrast, injuries to named abdominal vessels are present in 20%-25% of patients undergoing laparotomy after gunshot wounds and in 10% after stab wounds. Hence, all surgeons performing laparotomies after abdominal trauma must be familiar with techniques for exposure and management of these injuries.