Duodenal injury is partial or full-thickness damage to the first through fourth portions of the duodenum, most often caused by blunt abdominal trauma, penetrating wounds, or iatrogenic events during surgery. Because the duodenum is retroperitoneal and closely related to the pancreas, bile duct, and major vessels, early symptoms may be subtle and delayed, but rapid progression to peritonitis or septic shock is possible. Recognising the characteristic pattern permits timely imaging and operative repair. Early post-injury signalsEpigastric pain: deep, boring, and radiating to the back because of retroperitoneal irritation; not relieved by simple analgesics.Nausea and bilious vomiting: gastric outlet obstruction or... Learn more