Trauma to abdominal viscera may be produced by several causes:
1. An anteroposterior or a lateral squeezing, due to a direct blow, which may crush a viscus between the instrument of force and the spinal column
2. A tangential force which may move a viscus beyond the limits of its mobility, tearing its mesentery or capsule
3. Sudden compression of an organ which has been rendered more susceptible to injury by preexisting disease process
4. A missile or bony spicule, which may rupture or penetrate either hollow or solid viscera
5. A fall from a height or a blast which may injure the viscera by shattering or tearing
The diagnosis of closed abdominal trauma is difficult; however, it has been stated by many surgeons that it is better to open and explore the abdomen fruitlessly than to lose a patient because of nonexploration. Statistics produced from World War II and