Gastric necrosis from blunt abdominal trauma.

Two patients with ischemic necrosis of a portion of the gastric wall resulting from blunt abdominal trauma are reported. This gastric injury results from avulsion of the mesentery from the injured area or from a shearing force. Careful inspection of the stomach during exploration is emphasized and gastrotomy advocated if injury is suspected. Treatment consists of resection of the ischemic portion of the stomach.