Abdominal wall injuries occurring after blunt trauma: incidence and grading system

Background

Traumatic abdominal wall injuries (AWIs) are being increasingly recognized after blunt force injury.

Methods

All available abdominal/pelvic computed axial tomography (CAT) scans of blunt trauma patients evaluated at our level I trauma center from January 2005 to August 2006 were reviewed for the presence of AWI. AWI was graded using a severity-based numeric system. AWI grade was then compared with variables from a prospectively maintained trauma registry.

Results

Of 1549 reviewed CAT scans, 9% showed AWI (grade I = 53%, grade II = 28%, grade III = 9%, grade IV = 8%, and grade V = 2%). There was no association between AWI and seatbelt use, Injury Severity Score, weight, or need for abdominal surgery.

Conclusions

AWI occurs in 9% of blunt trauma patients undergoing abdominal/pelvic CAT scans. The incidence of herniation on CAT at presentation after blunt trauma is .2%, and the incidence of patients at risk of future hernia formation is 1.5%. AWI can be effectively cataloged using a straightforward numeric grading system.     

Traumatic handlebar hernia associated with hepatic herniation: a case report and review of the literature

A traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is a rare type of hernia that occurs after blunt trauma to the abdomen. TAWH caused by direct trauma from bicycle handlebars is even more rare with fewer than 30 cases having being reported. Recognition of these hernias is important, because they may be associated with significant intrabdominal injuries. Despite an overall increase in incidence of blunt abdominal trauma, cases of TAWH remain rare, probably because of elasticity of the abdominal wall resists the shear forces generated by a traumatic impact. A high level of clinical suspicion is required for diagnosis of TAWH in patients with handlebar injuries. We present the case of a 20-year-old man with a traumatic handlebar hernia associated with herniation of the liver and hepatic ductal injury, which was managed successfully by a delayed repair of the hernia.     

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia: A case report and literature review

IntroductionTraumatic abdominal wall hernia is a rare but serious diagnosis resulting from blunt abdominal trauma. The clinical diagnosis is not usually straightforward and the hernia is often discovered at the time of the surgical exploration for intra-abdominal injuries or by imaging studies.Presentation of caseA 25-year-old obese, restraint, male patient was the victim of a high-speed road traffic accident. Among other injuries, he showed extensive skin maceration and bruising over the lower abdomen and flanks upon presentation, however he did not need any surgical intervention. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated extensive abdominal wall muscular disruption over both flanks with herniation of the right colon. Counselled to follow up in 4–6 weeks to have the hernia surgically repaired, he showed up after 8 months with a large muscular defect resulting in a large hernia containing small and large bowel loops.DiscussionThe timing and type of the surgical repair of traumatic abdominal wall hernia depends upon the size of the hernia defect and the presence of associated intra-abdominal injuries. Delayed repair; however, may result in a large defect making primary, non-prosthetic repair impossible and increases the risk of abdominal compartment syndrome after surgical correction.ConclusionTraumatic abdominal wall hernia presents a diagnostic as well as a therapeutic challenge. The therapeutic approach is governed by a multitude of factors emphasizing the need of a patient-tailored, case by case management plan.     

腹腔镜早期探查术在腹部钝性外伤继发肠损伤中的应用价值

目的探讨腹腔镜早期探查术应用于腹部钝性外伤继发肠损伤中的临床效果,提高其治疗效果。方法回顾性分析在本院住院治疗的腹部钝性外伤继发肠损伤早期实施腹腔镜探查术患者40例的临床资料,并与同期早期（受伤后开始手术不超过6小时）手术患者38例进行比较。结果两组患者一般资料、肠管损伤部位及程度比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;两组患者死亡率均较低,差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）,但是观察组患者住院时间、ICU监护时间、机械通气时间及并发症发生率均低于对照组,差异存在统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论腹腔镜探查术是集诊断和治疗为一体的现代化外科微创技术,在技术和设备许可的情况下,正确把握适应征,可以使腹部钝性外伤继发肠损伤患者获得最佳的诊治效果。     

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia--a case report and literature review

We present a case report and comprehensive literature review of pediatric traumatic abdominal wall hernia caused by a blow from a bicycle handlebar. Traumatic abdominal wall hernia is a rare complication of bicycle handlebar injury. An awareness of this entity will help prevent a missed diagnosis. Operative repair is met with good outcome.     

Inferior vena cava injury after blunt trauma: Case report

Introductioninferior vena cava IVC injury is rare with lethal outcomes, the clinical signs depends on the location and associated injuries, andt he treatment might be endovascular, surgical.Clinical caseA 25 years with no medical history was admitted to the emergency department after a car accident. After intubation and hemodynamic stabilization, the computerized tomography CT scan showed hepatic laceration with a rupture of the IVC in the retro-hepatic portion, he was admitted to the operation room for damage control laparotomy; the patient died 12 h after the operation despite appropriate management.ConclusionIVC are rare and lethal, the CT scan remains the gold standard and the evolution of endovascular techniques decreased the mortality rate.     

Traumatic abdominal hernia associated with large bowel strangulation: case report and review of the literature

A rare case of traumatic rupture of the abdominal wall with ventral herniation and strangulation of the right colon is presented. The defect was detected by computed tomography on admission. The patient was operated on 3 days after injury, and irreversible ischaemia of the right colon was found. Right hemicolectomy was performed. The pathogenesis and treatment of this complication is discussed.     

Jejunal transection following trivial trauma: Case report and review of literature

IntroductionSevere hollow organ injury following trivial blunt abdominal trauma is uncommon. If it occurs it can easily be missed during routine clinical evaluation. Though less than ten cases of jejunal transection following trivial trauma have been reported in literature, this is the first case of jejunal transection occurring in a patient who fell while walking.Case presentationWe report a 32 year old female Ugandan, who walked into the emergency room due to abdominal pain following a fall while walking. She was found to be hemodynamically stable and was initially hesitant to do further investigations but finally accepted to go for abdominal ultrasound scan and a chest x-ray. Abdominal ultrasound scan noted free peritoneal fluid and erect chest radiograph revealed a pneumoperitoneum. She was admitted for an exploratory laparotomy. At laparotomy we found a complete jejunal transection with mesenteric laceration. Primary anastomosis was done; the patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on the tenth postoperative day.DiscussionAny trauma to the abdomen can potentially cause devastating injury to hollow viscera and should therefore be evaluated thoroughly.ConclusionThis case demonstrates that even in a resource limited setting, basic investigations like an abdominal ultrasound scan and erect chest radiographs are important when managing a patient with blunt abdominal trauma even though the injury seems trivial.     

Coeliac axis dissection secondary to blunt abdominal trauma: A case report and review of the literature

Coeliac axis dissection as a result of blunt abdominal trauma is rare. This case report describes a 31-year-old male who after losing control of his motorbike sustained a coeliac axis dissection diagnosed on initial trauma pan-CT. This was managed non-operatively. In the context of blunt trauma, coeliac axis dissection is a marker of significant injury and is rarely found in isolation. The diagnosis of these injuries requires a high index of suspicion. Successful management needs to be tailored to each patient individually, though many can be managed non-operatively.     

Handlebar hernia: traumatic abdominal wall hernia with multiple enterotomies. A case report and review of the literature

Handlebar hernia, caused by low-energy impact against a handlebar, is a localized abdominal wall hernia that is blunt enough not to penetrate the skin but severe enough to cause the disruption of abdominal wall musculature. In 1964, Roberts (Br J Surg 1964;51:153) reported the first case of a traumatic abdominal wall hernia that occurred in a 9-year-old boy after a fall upon a bicycle handle. Since then, 12 other cases have been reported. To the best of our knowledge, the case described here is the first documented case of an incarcerated handlebar hernia associated with a small bowel perforation and mesenteric disruption.     

CT scan-detected pneumoperitoneum: An unreliable predictor of intra-abdominal injury in blunt trauma

Introduction

Free intra-peritoneal air in blunt trauma is a classic sign associated with hollow viscus injury, traditionally mandating laparotomy. In blunt abdominal trauma, the CT scan has become the diagnostic modality of choice. The increased sensitivity of CT scans may lead to detection of free intra-peritoneal air that is not clinically significant.

Objective

To characterize conditions and findings that allow for the safe observation of blunt trauma patients with free air and to propose a patient management algorithm to decrease rates of non-therapeutic laparotomy.

Design

A retrospective review of 5877 blunt trauma patients who had an abdominal CT scan upon admission to our hospital from 2003 to 2011. A secondary CT review was performed by a single radiologist to further characterize the CT findings in the 74 patients with free air reported on initial scan. Management and hospital course were reviewed in these patients.

Results

Of the 74 patients with intra-abdominal free air, 36 patients with a benign clinical picture were observed and 38 patients underwent urgent exploratory laparotomy. Eleven patients received a non-therapeutic laparotomy. The majority (61%) of patients, 45 of 74, had free air and no significant injury suggesting the presence of benign free air. Patients who had intra-abdominal injury also typically had other clinical or radiologic signs of injury. Findings that were highly predictive of intra-abdominal injury in the setting of free air were free fluid (P < 0.001), radiographic signs of bowel trauma (P < 0.001) as well as clinical and/or radiographic seatbelt sign (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

CT scans may detect free air that is not always clinically significant. Free fluid, seatbelt sign or radiographic signs of bowel trauma in the presence of pneumoperitoneum is highly predictive of injury and these patients should be explored. Based on the results of our study, we created an algorithm to aid in identifying those patients with intra-abdominal free air who may be observed safely.     

Subtle mesenteric avulsion in a traumatic abdominal wall hernia: A case report

INTRODUCTIONTraumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWHs) are uncommon and to date less than 50 cases have been reported in the literature. Furthermore mesenteric avulsion is a rare complication of TAWHs and occurs in less than 5% of all cases.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 47-year-old lady presented to the emergency department after a road traffic accident. In spite of seat belt use and airbag deployment, the patient presented with a visible left paramedian abdominal mass, which was tender and irreducible on examination. Subsequent computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen confirmed herniation of the small bowel with no free air or fluid in an otherwise stable patient. Intra-operative findings confirmed mesenteric avulsion and bowel necrosis.DISCUSSIONThe role of emergency or elective repair of TAWHs remains unclear. As 58% of blunt mesenteric and bowel injuries due to avulsion are missed on initial work-up, it is advisable for clinicians to balance the risk of unnecessary and non-therapeutic emergency laparotomy with the morbidity and mortality associated with delay in diagnosis.CONCLUSIONMesenteric avulsion in TAWH is rare and difficult to diagnose and a high index of suspicion is warranted despite normal findings on initial assessments.     

Transection of the stomach after blunt injury in the pediatric population

The incidence of gastric rupture after abdominal blunt injury ranges between 0.02% and 1.7% and is associated with a high morbidity (Tejerina Alvarez EE, Holanda MS, Lopex-Espadas F, Dominguez MJ, Ots E, Diaz-Reganon J. Gastric rupture from blunt abdominal trauma. Injury. 2004;35:228-231, Allen GS, Moore FA, Cox CS. Hollow visceral injury and blunt trauma. J Trauma. 1998;45:69-75.). Stomach transection represents an even rarer type of blunt gastric injury. Although not specifically included in the accepted classification of stomach injury, its clinical manifestation is dramatic, requiring immediate surgical management. We present a case report from our institution and reviewed the international literature focusing on the pediatric patient to illustrate this injury in terms of mechanism of injury, clinical presentation, and surgical management.     

Predictors of blunt abdominal aortic injury in trauma patients and mortality analysis

ObjectiveBlunt abdominal aortic injury (BAAI) occurs in less than 0.1% of blunt traumas. A previous multi-institutional study found an associated mortality rate of 39%. We sought to identify risk factors for BAAI and risk factors for mortality in patients with BAAI using a large national database. We hypothesized that an Injury Severity Score of 25 or greater, and thoracic trauma would both increase the risk of mortality in patients with BAAI.MethodsThe Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2010-2016) was queried for individuals with blunt trauma. Patients with and without BAAI were compared. Covariates were included in a multivariable logistic regression model to determine mechanisms of injury, examination findings, and concomitant injuries associated with increased risk for BAAI. An additional multivariable analysis was performed for mortality in patients with BAAI.ResultsFrom 1,056,633 blunt trauma admissions, 1012 (0.1%) had BAAI. The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accident (MVA; 57.5%). More than one-half the patients had at least one rib fracture (54.0%), or a spine fracture (53.9%), whereas 20.8% had hypotension on admission and 7.8% had a trunk abrasion. The average length of stay was 13.4 days and 24.6% required laparotomy, with 6.6% receiving an endovascular repair and 2.9% an open repair. The risk of death in those treated with endovascular vs open repair was similar (P = .28). On multivariable analysis, MVA was the mechanism associated with the highest risk of BAAI (odds ratio [OR], 4.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.87-5.65; P < .001) followed by pedestrian struck (OR, 4.54; 95% CI, 3.47-5.92; P < .001). Other factors associated with BAAI included hypotension on admission (OR, 3.87; 95% CI, 3.21-4.66; P < .001), hemopneumothorax (OR, 3.67; 95% CI, 1.16-11.58; P < .001), abrasion to the trunk (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.15-1.94; P = .003), and rib fracture (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.25-1.70; P < .001). The overall mortality rate was 28.0%. Of the variables examined, the strongest risk factor associated with mortality in patients with BAAI was hemopneumothorax (OR, 12.49; 95% CI, 1.25-124.84; P = .03) followed by inferior vena cava (IVC) injury (OR, 12.05; 95% CI, 2.80-51.80; P < .001).ConclusionsIn the largest nationwide series to date, BAAI continues to have a high mortality rate with hemopneumothorax and IVC injury associated with the highest risk for mortality. The mechanism most strongly associated with BAAI is MVA followed by pedestrian struck. Other risk factors for BAAI include rib fracture and trunk abrasion. Providers must maintain a high suspicion of injury for BAAI when these mechanisms of injury, physical examination or imaging findings are encountered.     

Pediatric aortoiliac injury following blunt abdominal trauma: A case report

IntroductionThe most common mechanism of aortic injury involves motor vehicle collisions resulting in aortic disruptions, occurring almost exclusively in the chest. Injury to the abdominal aorta following blunt trauma is nearly twenty times less likely to occur than the thoracic aorta. Because of the low incidence, there are few reports regarding the presentation and repair of these particular injuries, especially in the pediatric population.Presentation of caseWe present a case of a 7-year-old boy involved in a high speed motor vehicle accident with an abdominal aorta transection at the aortic bifurcation extending into the left iliac artery. The injury was repaired using bovine pericardium with the adventitia and intima of the vessel approximated over the bovine bridge.DiscussionPrimary repair of thoracic aortic injury has been thoroughly described in the literature with good outcomes yet, abdominal aortic repair remains ambiguous. Few techniques and materials have been described with even less data surrounding the long-term outcomes.ConclusionBovine pericardium is a strong and stable acellular collagenous material with the potential to accelerate endothelialization and tissue regeneration. This remains an interesting field of research as stenosis and pseudo-coarction data have yet to be determined.     

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernias: a report of 26 cases

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernias, when diagnosed many years after the traumatic event, are observed in about 10% of diaphragmatic injuries. Due to coexisting injuries and the silent nature of diaphragmatic injuries, the diagnosis is easily missed or difficult. The medical records of 26 patients, who were treated for diaphragmatic hernias during the last 20 years, were analysed retrospectively. The patients were divided into acute phase and late-presenting groups, in whom emergency surgery and elective intervention were performed respectively. Chest radiography was diagnostic in 34.6% (n=9) of patients. 92.3% of the hernias were on the left side, while the most common herniated organs were the stomach (31.8%) and the colon (27.2%). Coexisting injuries were recorded in 38.4% (n=10) of the patients. Primary repair was predominantly used (92.3%). The hospitalisation period was longer in the late-presenting group (24.1±18.8 vs. 14.3±7.7 days). Two deaths occurred in the late-presenting group. Diaphragmatic hernia should be suspected in all blunt abdominal trauma patients. Prompt surgical repair is the treatment of choice in all traumatic diaphragmatic hernias.     

The utility of focused abdominal ultrasound in blunt abdominal trauma: a reappraisal

BACKGROUND: Focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) has become commonplace in the management of blunt abdominal trauma. However, newer computed tomography (CT) scanners have decreased imaging time for trauma patients and provide more detailed examination of abdominal contents. It was the aim of the current study to evaluate practice patterns of FAST and abdominal CT in blunt trauma victims. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all blunt trauma patients (N = 299) who received at least 1 FAST examination in the emergency department by surgeons and were admitted. Patients were tracked for subsequent CT scanning, disposition from the emergency department, any operative findings, and survival. RESULTS: Twenty-one of 299 patients (7%) had a positive FAST. There were 7 deaths and 14 patients were taken directly to the operating room (OR) for control of abdominal bleeding. Thirty-one of 299 (10%) had equivocal FAST. There were 4 deaths and 8 patients were taken to the OR for control of abdominal bleeding. A total of 247 of the 299 patients had a negative FAST. CT scans were performed in 193: 15 showed a visceral injury. There were 13 deaths and 29 patients were taken to the OR (4 for bleeding). Patients with a positive FAST had a higher mortality than FAST-negative patients (P < .001) and greater likelihood for operation (P < .001). Those with equivocal FAST had a greater likelihood for operation than FAST-negative patients (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: FAST examinations can identify patients at risk for hemorrhage and in whom operation may be needed and, therefore, can guide mobilization of hospital resources. FAST-negative patients can be managed expectantly, using more specific imaging techniques.     

Laparoscopic repair of traumatic abdominal wall hernia from handlebar injury

A 14-year-old boy was seen at an outside hospital after falling over the handlebar of his bicycle and was discharged home. He was subsequently seen in our emergency department with complaints of persistent abdominal pain. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed disruption of the muscles of the upper right abdominal wall containing the hepatic flexure of the colon, with a small amount of intraperitoneal free fluid noted. The patient underwent laparoscopic exploration using 3 ports (2-5 mm and 1-12 mm) and 2 separate stab incisions. The traumatic abdominal wall hernia was repaired with interrupted sutures placed with an ENDO CLOSE (Covidien, Mansfield, MA) device, and a mesenteric defect in the colon was approximated with intracorporeal sutures. The trocar sites were sutured closed. The patient recovered well and was discharged home. Follow-up examination revealed no abdominal wall defect and resolution of his symptoms.Laparoscopic repair of a traumatic abdominal wall defect and exploratory laparoscopy after trauma is feasible and safe in the pediatric patient. It should be considered as an alternative approach with potentially less morbidity than an exploratory laparotomy for handlebar injuries in a stable patient.     

A hidden danger of childhood trauma: Bicycle handlebar injuries

Purpose  To evaluate childhood bicycle handlebar injuries. Methods  We evaluated retrospectively 14 patients who presented with bicycle handlebar injuries within a 3-year period. Bicycle injuries not caused by the handlebar were excluded. Results  The mean age of the patients was 8.8 ± 2 years (range, 5–12 years) and 79% were boys. The injuries comprised gastrointestinal perforation in 21%, traumatic abdominal hernia in 21%, and spleen laceration in 14%. The three children with intestinal perforation and the one with a penetrating abdominal injury underwent surgery, whereas the others were treated medically. An isolated traumatic abdominal hernia resolved spontaneously. There was no mortality. Conclusions  Although bicycle handlebar injuries occur at relatively low speeds, the transfer of energy from the end of the handlebar, with a small cross-sectional area, to a small field leads to intra-abdominal injuries that are more severe than predicted. Thus, bicycle handlebar injuries should be considered as a serious intraabdominal injury until proven otherwise.