Peripancreatic Fluid in Surgery — 24yo Man | Trauma Surgery | SMLE Q#18449
SMLE Question #18449
Surgery
Trauma Surgery
Objective: OBJ-TRM-AIRWAY-01
Last updated: February 2026
A 24-year-old man presents to the ED 6 hours after a bicycle handlebar impact to the upper abdomen. He has worsening epigastric pain and repeated vomiting. He denies head injury. Examination shows epigastric tenderness without generalized peritonitis. Focused abdominal ultrasound shows no free intraperitoneal fluid. Contrast-enhanced CT abdomen shows a linear laceration through the pancreatic body with peripancreatic fluid, raising concern for main pancreatic duct injury. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
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