Management of Gastric Injuries

Abstract

The stomach, located in the intrathoracic portion of the abdomen, is well protected from injury. It has a thick wall that is easily mobilized and a rich blood supply that ensures rapid healing of wounds. Although the gastric contents may be contaminated by oral flora immediately after meals, in the resting state, the stomach has few, if any, endogenous organisms. All of these factors make morbidity and mortality associated with penetrating injuries low. In contrast, blunt injuries often cause extensive contamination of the peritoneal cavity with resultant high morbidity and mortality.