Bleeding into the abdominal cavity - causes and signs of bleeding into the abdominal cavity

Types

Bleeding into the abdominal cavity refers to internal bleeding and, accordingly, has several classification parameters.

Depending on the etymology (cause) of the formation, the following types are distinguished:

• mechanical (traumatic) type;
• biological (non-traumatic) type - is divided into an erosive form (bleeding occurs as a result of disturbances in the structure of the vessel walls due to necrosis, tumor and other destructive processes) and a diapedetic form (the cause of occurrence is an increase in the degree of vascular permeability in some pathologies, such as sepsis, scurvy, etc.).

Depending on the type of damaged vessel, a distinction is made bleeding:

• arterial;
• venous;
• capillary;
• mixed.

Causes

Bleeding into the abdominal cavity can be caused by the following reasons:

• chest injury;
• abdominal injury;
• wounds;
• low blood clotting;
• benign and malignant neoplasms in the abdominal cavity;
• ectopic pregnancy;
• malaria;
• spleen rupture;
• rupture liver;
• rupture of an aortic aneurysm (abdominal part);
• rupture of a cyst;
• rupture of an ovarian apoplexy.

One of the main dangers of internal bleeding is hidden.

Symptoms

The characteristic signs of this condition are:

• paleness of the skin and mucous membranes;
• dizziness;
• a feeling of general weakness throughout the body;
• pronounced rapid heartbeat;
• a rapid drop in blood pressure;
• abdominal pain of varying intensity, which intensifies at the onset of movements;
• forced, sitting position of the body to reduce pain;
• collapse (in case of a massive degree).

The severity and intensity of symptoms depend on the duration, severity and volume of bleeding, as well as on the causes that caused it.

Diagnostics

If signs of bleeding into the abdominal cavity are detected, it is necessary to make an appointment with a traumatologist as soon as possible. Also in this case, a consultation with a surgeon is important. Such bleeding is quite dangerous. Failure to carry out proper diagnostic and treatment measures is fraught with many serious complications, including death.

If bleeding into the abdominal cavity is suspected, the following diagnostic measures are carried out:

• primary examination in a hospital to detect specific signs;
• superficial palpation of the abdomen;
• digital vaginal or rectal examination;
• puncture of the abdominal cavity if an ectopic pregnancy is suspected;
• laboratory blood test;
• abdominal X-ray of a general nature;
• ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity and pelvis;
• laparocentesis;
• endoscopic examination;
• diagnostic laparoscopy.

Treatment

Measures for the treatment of this type of hemorrhage include:

• mandatory hospitalization of the patient;
• no food or water until the doctor orders it;
• anti-shock therapy;
• antihemorrhagic therapy;
• blood transfusion or blood substitutes;
• use of analeptic drugs;
• surgery (laparotomy).

Prevention

Prevention of this type of hemorrhage consists of the following:

• avoiding injury in the abdomen and chest area;
• immediate referral to specialists upon receiving the corresponding injury or wound;
• timely and adequate treatment of diseases that may be accompanied by complications in the form of bleeding.