In an abdominal evisceration, which structures are most likely to protrude?

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Multiple Choice

In an abdominal evisceration, which structures are most likely to protrude?

Abdominal evisceration involves the protrusion of intraperitoneal contents through a wound, and the structures most likely to come out are highly mobile within the peritoneal cavity. The greater omentum, a fatty apron that freely drapes over the intestines, is particularly prone to slipping through an opening. The small intestine, attached to the posterior abdominal wall by the mesentery, is also very mobile and can herniate through a wound as loops of bowel protrude. In contrast, much of the large intestine is fixed to the abdominal wall (retroperitoneal portions) or less mobile overall, so it is less likely to protrude in this situation. Therefore, the combination of omentum and small intestine is the most likely to protrude.

Abdominal evisceration involves the protrusion of intraperitoneal contents through a wound, and the structures most likely to come out are highly mobile within the peritoneal cavity. The greater omentum, a fatty apron that freely drapes over the intestines, is particularly prone to slipping through an opening. The small intestine, attached to the posterior abdominal wall by the mesentery, is also very mobile and can herniate through a wound as loops of bowel protrude. In contrast, much of the large intestine is fixed to the abdominal wall (retroperitoneal portions) or less mobile overall, so it is less likely to protrude in this situation. Therefore, the combination of omentum and small intestine is the most likely to protrude.

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