Abdominal Trauma and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

In this book, the epidemiology, identification of and management of injuries sustained from blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) in childhood are discussed, with a focus on recent advances and future research. Open abdomen (OA), which refers to leaving abdominal incisions open after surgical procedures, and its management are presented as well. Also in this book, bacterial peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscesses, which are major complicated intra-abdominal infections post abdominal trauma are discussed. The severe abdominal consequences of falling, particularly among older adults, is reviewed as well. Finally, periodontitis is known to be a risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The authors focus on the role of specific periodontopathic bacteria in AAA and are able to conclude that periodontal pathogens play a major, critical role in AAA development.