Injuries to the small bowel are most often caused by trauma, and trauma to the abdomen can easily lead to a rupture of the small bowel. If a patient suffers from trauma to the abdomen, he or she should seek immediate medical attention. If the patient suffers from trauma to the abdomen and has symptoms such as pallor, shortness of breath, weak pulse, cold skin and abdominal throbbing pain, he or she should seek immediate medical attention and perform a laparotomy.