Bruises, Contusions, Incisions, Lacerations.
The abdomen is liable to be injured in various ways; and if extensive injuries are neglected or improperly treated fatal results may follow. Falls and blows upon the abdomen may cause but slight external indications while they may severely injure internal organs. Deep seated pain, especially of a dull character, increased by pressure, and following - an injury to the abdomen, would point to internal difficulty. When pain becomes intense and of a throbbing nature, preceded by chills and some fever, several days after the injury, internal abscess should be suspected.[1] Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the tissue surrounding abdominal organs.
Incised wounds and larcerations are extremely liable to produce peritonitis[1], which is fully described under the article on Peritonitis. In all such cases the greatest precautions for quietude and cleanliness should be taken, and the case placed in the hands of a skilful surgeon at once[2].
Bruises and contusions require immediate applications of cold compresses; but if these have been neglected in the start hot compresses are best along with applications of stimulating liniment.
[2] The first recorded laparotomy (done for exploration and lavage of the peritoneum) appears to have been performed "in the backwoods of Kentucky in 1807".