Symptoms And Complications Of Hemoperitoneum

Hemoperitoneum is a condition in which blood collects in the peritoneal space between the wall of the abdomen and internal organs. This area can stretch greatly and hold more blood than the entire body typically has. The blood collection can be caused by blunt trauma, penetrating trauma, ectopic pregnancy, colon perforation, or from taking extreme doses of anticoagulant medications.

Hemoperitoneum is considered a medical emergency, and exploratory laparoscopy is usually performed to locate the source of the bleeding. Tomography and sonography can also help determine the location of the injury. Though patients with less severe cases may not have any blatant symptoms, those with more severe cases will have obvious symptoms.

Nausea And Vomiting

Nausea is an early symptom of hemoperitoneum where patients feel as if they are going to vomit. Nausea can be mild or severe depending on the severity of the injury. Vomiting is the involuntary expulsion of the stomach's contents through the mouth. If the vomit contains bright red blood, it can indicate bleeding is present in the upper digestive system. Nausea and vomiting with hemoperitoneum can quickly lead to dehydration because of blood and fluid loss. If it is accompanied by sharp pain or tenderness in the abdominal region, it is important to seek medical attention quickly.

Abdominal Tenderness

Abdominal tenderness is a symptom of hemoperitoneum because there is an open wound inside the body. The abdomen may be painful to the touch and may feel something like bread dough. Usually, abdominal distension and nausea accompany this tenderness. As with other symptoms, the degree of tenderness can range from mild to severe depending on the severity of the internal bleeding. Some patients may not feel any pain until days after the trauma has occurred increasing the risk of complications from hemorrhagic shock and even death. If this pain or tenderness increases in severity and additional symptoms such as confusion or dizziness occur, a visit to the emergency room is essential.

Sharp Pain in Pelvic Region

A sharp pain in the pelvic region can be the result of many issues, all of which have the chance of resulting in hemoperitoneum since the blood can collect in the peritoneal space if they are serious enough. These conditions include ones that only affect women, such as endometriosis, a rupture of an ovarian cyst, and ectopic pregnancies, as well as ones that affect both genders, such as a urinary tract infection. Various injuries could also result in a sharp pain around the pelvic region. Sharp pelvic pain must not be ignored. It is crucial for patients who experience this kind of pain to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Cold And Clammy Skin

Cold and clammy skin is a symptom of hemoperitoneum because of blood loss. Since blood is collecting in the abdomen, it cannot be pumped back to the body's extremities like the legs and arms. The result is these appendages start to feel cool. Fingers and toes may even begin to take on a bluish color due to lack of oxygen circulation. Clamminess or stickiness is the result of excessive sweating. This happens in hemoperitoneum because there is less oxygen circulating through the body with less blood flow. It can also happen when individuals begin to go into shock.

Shock From Blood Loss

Shock from blood loss is also known as hemorrhagic or hypovolemic shock. This can happen in cases of extreme blood loss such as in hemoperitoneum. Blood flow is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients needed for basic cellular function throughout the body. Not only does it supply the bones and muscles with these nutrients, but it also supplies essential organs with them. With hemoperitoneum, blood is collecting in the abdominal cavity and not consistently circulating throughout the body. This causes muscle weakness, blue-colored extremities, shallow breathing, and a weak pulse. Complications of hemorrhagic shock can include damage to vital organs. If blood loss is left uncontrolled, organs will begin to fail, which can quickly lead to death.