Penetrating Abdominal Trauma Anything below the 4th intercostal space (nipple) is potentially an abdominal injury Gunshot wounds to the abdomen Needs immediate exploratory laparotomy Stab wounds to the abdomen Needs immediate exploratory laparotomy IF… Hemodynamically unstable Peritonitis on exam (rebound, rigidity, guarding) Organs hanging out of abdomen Blunt Abdominal Trauma If the patient is unstable […]