Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The small bowel is the most common site for hollow viscus or mesenteric injury primarily due to its anatomical and physiological characteristics. The small bowel, which includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, is relatively mobile and positioned in a way that makes it more susceptible to injury from blunt trauma, penetrating wounds, and various abdominal accidents.

In cases of trauma, especially with significant forces applied to the abdomen, the small bowel can be subject to contusions, lacerations, and mesenteric tears. Its length and the presence of mesentery, which is the fold of tissue attaching it to the posterior abdominal wall, allow for greater potential for injury compared to other segments of the gastrointestinal tract. Although injuries can occur to the large intestine, stomach, and appendix, the small bowel is statistically more likely to sustain injury in traumatic events, making it a critical consideration in trauma assessments and interventions.

Understanding the common sites of injury helps in diagnosing and managing traumatic abdominal injuries effectively, emphasizing the importance of meticulous examination and consideration of small bowel injuries in trauma care protocols.