Abdominal trauma patients are at risk for which complication?

Abdominal trauma patients are particularly susceptible to various complications, among which sepsis is a significant concern. Following trauma, especially if there is involvement of the gastrointestinal tract, there is potential for bacterial translocation from the gut, which may lead to an overwhelming systemic inflammatory response. Sepsis can result from infections that may arise due to perforation of hollow organs, liver lacerations, or infections from open fractures and wounds.

Hemothorax can occur in cases where there is associated thoracic injury, compromising respiratory function and leading to further complications. Similarly, pneumothorax is another potential complication related to thoracic trauma. However, the question focuses on which complications are more broadly expected in abdominal trauma.

Given that both sepsis and hemothorax are directly linked to abdominal trauma, and considering that pneumothorax may also be involved in cases where the diaphragm is injured, the emphasis on these conditions underscores the comprehensive risk profile that abdominal trauma victims face. The mention of "except C-diff" specifically refers to Clostridium difficile infection, which is not a common direct complication of acute abdominal trauma but rather linked to antibiotic use and disturbances in gastrointestinal flora.

Thus, the overall understanding of complications stemming from abdominal trauma recognizes the heightened risk for