Can the pancreas be injured in an accident?
Yes, injuries to the pancreas most commonly occur as a result of car accidents in which the upper part of the abdomen is struck with force during the crash. It can be difficult to tell if the pancreas s is involved, and surgery is always preformed if a pancreatic injury is suspected; if it is left untreated, the digestive juices of the pancreas leak into the abdomen. (Source: Encyclopedia of Family Health, 3rd Edn, 2005). Bicycle accidents can be quite common causes of pancreatitis in children. The bikes handlebars are often the cause of trauma as they impact on the upper abdomen.
