Non-Operative Management of Adult Blunt
Hepatic Trauma Algorithm

Annotation for Point C

Hemodynamically unstable patients should have a focused abdominal sonogram for trauma (FAST) if not performed as part of their initial evaluation and if available and reliable. Hemoperitoneum diagnosed by a positive FAST examination in a persistently unstable patient should prompt operative intervention. If the initial FAST is negative, a second should be repeated as part of the secondary survey.¹⁹