Explosive Weapons Trauma Care Collective (EXTRACCT) Blast Injury Clinical Practice Guideline: Abdominal Blast Injuries

INTRODUCTION: This guideline from the Explosive Weapons Trauma Care Collective (EXTRACCT) outlines best practices for managing abdominal blast injuries in resource-limited environments, especially after blast injuries from explosive ordnance including improvised explosive devices. Such injuries are particularly prevalent in lower-income regions with limited medical resources, making effective management crucial. METHODS: A semi-structured literature review was conducted to identify evidence-based practices for abdominal trauma care in low-resource environments. RESULTS: The guideline provides key assessment points and management strategies for abdominal blast injuries, with interventions adapted to the severity of tissue and organ damage. It includes surgical techniques, imaging approaches, and adjunct therapies designed to support surgeons operating in low-resource settings, where access to advanced tools and specialist care may be limited. CONCLUSION: Abdominal trauma following blast incidents can be managed effectively in austere settings by prioritizing resuscitation, hemorrhage control and bowel management. This structured approach can reduce morbidity and mortality, even in resource-constrained environments.