ABSTRACT
Most abdominal injuries necessitating a laparotomy will require 7-10 days in hospital and return to competitive sport may take 4 months or longer. The decision to allow athletes with a single kidney or testicle to participate in contact sports is controversial. The possible mechanisms of injury and the risk of further trauma must be considered on an individual basis before making a decision. The young athlete with a single testicle should be counselled about storing a sample of semen before resuming participation in contact sports.
