The patient often experiences vague upper and mid-abdominal pain that radiates into the back. Hours after the injury, generalized peritoneal irritation may reveal the presence of traumatic pancreatitis. Serum amylase determinations are usually not helpful in the acute setting. A CT scan establishes the diagnosis. Management may be surgical or conservative, depending on the degree of injury, and on the presence of associated injuries.
Surgical consultation is mandatory.
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