Surgical management of abdominal wall disruption after blunt trauma

Traumatic Abdominal wall hernia with ileal perforation following blunt trauma abdomen: A rare case report and review of literature

Blunt trauma abdomen with abdominal wall herniation with bowel perforation is an acute emergency condition. Road traffic accidents causing blunt trauma are common in a youngster like in our case. Once the patient is resuscitated, ultrasonography and Computed tomography must be done. Early surgical exploration with mesh or primary repair of the defect is the mainstay of management. We have a case of a 25-year-old male with blunt trauma abdomen and anterior wall hernia following a road traffic accident who was managed with emergency exploratory laparotomy as computed tomography suggested anterior abdominal wall herniation of bowel content.

Risk factors for recurrence in blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias: A secondary analysis of a Western Trauma association multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Few studies have investigated risk factors for recurrence of blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWH).

METHODS

Twenty trauma centers identified repaired TAWH from January 2012 to December 2018. Logistic regression was used to investigate risk factors for recurrence.

RESULTS

TAWH were repaired in 175 patients with 21 (12.0%) known recurrences. No difference was found in location, defect size, or median time to repair between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups. Mesh use was not protective of recurrence. Female sex, injury severity score (ISS), emergency laparotomy (EL), and bowel resection were associated with hernia recurrence. Bowel resection remained significant in a multivariable model.

CONCLUSION

Female sex, ISS, EL, and bowel resection were identified as risk factors for hernia recurrence. Mesh use and time to repair were not associated with recurrence. Surgeons should be mindful of these risk factors but could attempt acute repair in the setting of appropriate physiologic parameters.

Managing severe traumatic abdominal-wall injuries, a monocentric experience

PURPOSE

Abdominal wall injuries (AWI) is a clinical and radiological diagnosis of fasciomuscular and at times cutaneous defects after abdominal trauma. Their severity encompasses a spectrum of parietal defects, with the most severe being a burst abdomen with eviscerated organs. With the wide use of CT scans in trauma settings, their incidence is being more recognized. Especially in severe AWI, where associated intrabdominal lesions are highly prevalent, many questions about parietal reconstruction arise concerning the timing and type of surgery, and their final hernia recurrence rate.

METHOD

A list of severe AWI injuries have been retrieved, all of which were treated in our center. Type of trauma, clinical presentation, surgical technique and follow-up have been included.

RESULTS

Eight cases were found with severe abdominal injuries, with an age range of 11-85 years. Road traffic accidents, crush injuries, fall from height, stab and gunshot wounds are included. Seven out of the 8 cases had associated intrabdominal traumatic lesions. Mesh augmentation due to tissue loss was used in three cases. Recurrence rate was estimated around 25%.

CONCLUSION

Prompt surgical exploration is required as associated intrabdominal traumatic lesions are highly associated with severe AWI. Even when intrabdominal lesions are ruled out, fasciomuscular defects should be managed during the same hospitalization, to prevent intestinal strangulation and occlusion. Mesh augmentation should only be used when parietal defects include extensive tissue loss preventing tension-free parietal reconstruction.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia caused by a low fall

Background

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWH) are uncommon injuries classically associated with high-energy blunt traumatic mechanisms. Motor vehicle collisions cause the highest proportion of all TAWH. Literature is currently limited, with some debate existing over surgical management strategies.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old man presented after falling from a short step stool while landscaping his yard. On exam, an exquisitely tender lateral flank mass was present with peristaltic movement. CT imaging revealed a TAWH with incarcerated large and small bowel. He was taken to the OR for exploratory laparotomy and mesh hernia repair. The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day with no untoward complications.

Discussion

This patient’s mechanism and injury pattern are together a rare combination. Exam findings and radiologic technologies are used to hone the clinical index of suspicion for TAWH. Traumatic abdominal wall defects can have unusual anatomic borders, not always obeying well-known hernia patterns. In this case, the potential space for visceral herniation was created by an 11th rib fracture with associated avulsion of the oblique musculature. Operative approach can be open or laparoscopic, however concomitant injuries directly influence surgical management. Evidence for mesh versus primary repair for TAWH is conflicted by the current literature.

Conclusions

Nearly any amount of blunt abdominal force can cause TAWH. For wall defects with bowel herniation caused directly by trauma, the safest approach may involve exploratory laparotomy. Future multi-center studies may be able to distinguish TAWH repair strategies based on herniation through old defects versus newly-created abdominal wall injuries.

Massive traumatic abdominal wall hernia with significant tissue loss: challenges in management

A 41-year-old woman presented to our trauma centre following a high-speed motor vehicle collision with a seatbelt pattern of injury resulting in extensive rupture of her abdominal wall musculature and associated hollow viscus injuries. The abdominal wall had vertical separation between transected rectus, bilateral transverse abdominis and oblique muscles allowing evisceration of small and large bowel into the flanks without skin rupture. Intraoperatively, extensive liquefaction and tissue loss of the abdominal wall was found with significant retraction of the remaining musculature. Initial operative management focused on repair of concomitant intra-abdominal injuries with definitive repair performed in delayed, preplanned stages including bridging with absorbable mesh and placement of an overlying split-thickness skin graft. The patient was discharged from hospital and underwent extensive rehabilitation. One year later, the abdominal wall was definitively repaired with components separation and biological mesh underlay. This stepwise repair process provided her with a robust and enduring abdominal wall reconstruction.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias: disruptions of the abdominal wall muscles associated to pelvic bone fractures illustrated by two case reports

BACKGROUND

Blunt abdominal traumas are often associated with intra-abdominal injuries and pelvic fractures. Traumatic abdominal wall hernias due to disruption of the abdominal wall muscles may be overlooked. Delayed diagnosis can lead to hernia related complications.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present two cases of high kinetic trauma with pelvic fractures and acute traumatic abdominal wall herniation. Both of these cases suffered from a delayed diagnosis and needed surgery to treat the symptomatic herniation.

CONCLUSION

Clinical reassessment and appropriate medical imaging are mandatory in patients with high kinetic abdominal blunt traumas and associated pelvic fracture, in order to prevent delayed diagnosis and possible complications.

Traumatic abdominal wall injuries-a primer for radiologists

Traumatic abdominal wall injuries encompass a broad clinical and radiological spectrum and are identified in approximately 9% of blunt trauma patients. The most severe form of abdominal wall injury-a traumatic abdominal wall hernia-is seen in less than 1.5% of blunt abdominal trauma patients. However, the incidence of concurrent intra-abdominal injuries in these patients is high and can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Although the diagnosis of abdominal wall injuries is typically straight forward on CT, associated injuries may distract the interpreting radiologist in more subtle cases. Thus, it is important for the radiologist to identify abdominal wall injuries and their associated injuries on admission CT, as these injuries typically require surgical correction early in the course of their management. Untreated abdominal wall injuries subject the patient to increased risk of delayed bowel incarceration and strangulation. Therefore, it is important for the radiologist to be knowledgeable of injuries to the abdominal wall and commonly associated injuries to provide optimal patient triage and expedite management.

Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernias Following High-Velocity Trauma in Children

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias following blunt high-velocity trauma are uncommon in children and can result in concurrent abdominal visceral injuries. We present one such case of a 9 year-old boy requiring a trauma laparotomy to repair visceral injuries following a motor vehicle accident.

Timing of repair and mesh use in traumatic abdominal wall defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis of current literature

Background

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias or defects (TAWDs) after blunt trauma are rare and comprehensive literature on this topic is scarce. Altogether, there is no consensus about optimal methods and timing of repair, resulting in a surgeon’s dilemma. The aim of this study was to analyze current literature, comparing (1) acute versus delayed repair and (2) mesh versus no mesh repair.

Methods

A broad and systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. The selected articles were assessed on methodological quality using a modified version of the CONSORT 2010 Checklist and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Primary endpoint was hernia recurrence, diagnosed by clinical examination or CT. Random effects meta-analyses on hernia recurrence rates after acute versus delayed repair, and mesh versus no mesh repair, were conducted separately.

Results

In total, 19 studies were evaluated, of which 6 were used in our analysis. These studies reported a total of 229 patients who developed a TAWD, of whom a little more than half underwent surgical repair. Twenty-three of 172 patients (13%) who had their TAWD surgically repaired developed a recurrence. In these studies, nearly 70% of the patients who developed a recurrence had their TAWD repaired primarily without a mesh augmentation and mostly during the initial hospitalization. Pooled analysis did not show any statistically significant favor for either use of mesh augmentation or the timing of surgical repair.

Conclusion

Although 70% of the recurrences occurred in patients without mesh augmentation, pooled analysis did not show significant differences in either mesh versus no mesh repair, nor acute versus delayed repair for the management of traumatic abdominal wall defects. Therefore, a patient’s condition (e.g., concomitant injuries) should determine the timing of repair, preferably with the use of a mesh augmentation.

Don't Forget the Abdominal Wall: Imaging Spectrum of Abdominal Wall Injuries after Nonpenetrating Trauma

Abdominal wall injuries occur in nearly one of 10 patients coming to the emergency department after nonpenetrating trauma. Injuries range from minor, such as abdominal wall contusion, to severe, such as abdominal wall rupture with evisceration of abdominal contents. Examples of specific injuries that can be detected at cross-sectional imaging include abdominal muscle strain, tear, or hematoma, including rectus sheath hematoma (RSH); traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH); and Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL) (closed degloving injury). These injuries are often overlooked clinically because of (a) a lack of findings at physical examination or (b) distraction by more-severe associated injuries. However, these injuries are important to detect because they are highly associated with potentially grave visceral and vascular injuries, such as aortic injury, and because their detection can lead to the diagnosis of these more clinically important grave traumatic injuries. Failure to make a timely diagnosis can result in delayed complications, such as bowel hernia with potential for obstruction or strangulation, or misdiagnosis of an abdominal wall neoplasm. Groin injuries, such as athletic pubalgia, and inferior costochondral injuries should also be considered in patients with abdominal pain after nonpenetrating trauma, because these conditions may manifest with referred abdominal pain and are often included within the field of view at cross-sectional abdominal imaging. Radiologists must recognize and report acute abdominal wall injuries and their associated intra-abdominal pathologic conditions to allow appropriate and timely treatment. ^© RSNA, 2017.

The early laparoscopic repair of a traumatic lumbar hernia: safe and successful

Abdominal wall hernias are a rare but important consequence of blunt trauma. The optimal timing and the method of repair are not well described in the current surgical literature. Advances in laparoscopic techniques have offered new options for treatment of this problem. We describe the case of a 43-year-old man who suffered a blunt traumatic lumbar hernia. He was taken to the operating room during his initial hospitalization where a laparoscopic repair was performed with the additional implantation of prosthetic mesh. His post-operative course was uneventful. In selected cases, early operative repair may be appropriate and result in improved outcomes.

Successful laparoscopic management of combined traumatic diaphragmatic rupture and abdominal wall hernia: a case report

Background

Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture and traumatic abdominal wall hernia are two well-described but rare clinical entities associated with blunt thoracoabdominal injuries. To the best of our knowledge, the combination of these two clinical entities as a result of a motor vehicle accident has not been previously reported.

Case presentation

A 32-year-old Indian man was brought to our emergency department after being involved in a road traffic accident. He described a temporary loss of consciousness and had multiple tender bruises at his right upper anterior abdominal wall and left lumbar region. An initial examination revealed blood pressure of 99/63 mmHg, heart rate of 107 beats/minute, and oxygen saturation of 93 % on room air. His clinical parameters stabilized after initial resuscitation. A computed tomographic scan revealed a rupture of the left diaphragm as well as extensive disruptions of the left upper anterior abdominal wall. We performed exploratory laparoscopic surgery with the intention of primary repair. The diaphragmatic and abdominal wall defect was primarily closed, followed by reinforcement with PROLENE onlay mesh. The patient’s postoperative recovery was complicated by infected hematomas over both flanks that were managed with ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage. He was discharged well despite a prolonged hospital stay.

Conclusions

We present a complex form of injuries managed successfully via a laparoscopic approach. Meticulous attention to potential complications in both the acute and convalescent phases is important for achieving a successful outcome following surgery.

A case of traumatic abdominal wall hernia with delayed bowel obstruction

Background

Traumatic abdominal hernia is rare and difficult to diagnose from physical symptoms.

Patient

A 60-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department with complaints of vomiting after falling off a bicycle and hitting her abdomen against one of the handlebars 2 days earlier. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated abdominal wall hernia from blunt trauma to the left upper abdomen. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, and the herniated bowel loop was not found to be perforated or gangrenous. Primary hernia repair without resection of the bowel loop was performed.

Results

Postoperative course was uneventful.

Conclusion

Surgical exploration with primary repair of the defect is the definitive treatment in the present case, as the hernia contained an incarcerated loop of small bowel. The use of abdominal CT to confirm the diagnosis before operative repair of the hernia appears to be a safe and efficacious adjunct to physical examination.

Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia: Early or Delayed Repair?

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia after blunt trauma is a rare entity. They can easily be overlooked in patients who have multiple trauma, as its signs and symptoms may be variable due to the presence of multiple injuries. Imaging with computed tomography or ultrasound confirms the diagnosis as well as identifying any associated injuries. Although surgery is the standard treatment for traumatic abdominal wall hernias, there is no consensus on the early or late repair of the defect. Some authors recommend early surgical intervention in order to avoid the risk of intra-abdominal organ injury, incarceration, and strangulation. In this study, we report our experience in three cases, which did not involve emergency surgery. Long-term outcome is successful. Elective hernia repair may be safe and feasible in stable patients.

A traumatic abdominal wall hernia repair: a laparoscopic approach

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia following blunt trauma, although rare, can be successfully managed with a laparoscopic approach.

Background:

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias from blunt trauma usually occur as a consequence of motor vehicle collisions where the force is tangential, sudden, and severe. Although rare, these hernias can go undetected due to preservation of the skin overlying the hernia defect. Open repairs can be challenging and unsuccessful due to avulsion of muscle directly from the iliac crest, with or without bone loss. A laparoscopic approach to traumatic abdominal wall hernia can aid in the delineation of the hernia and allow for a safe and effective repair.

Case Description:

A 36-year-old female was admitted to our Level 1 trauma center with a traumatic abdominal wall hernia located in the right flank near the iliac crest after being involved in a high-impact motor vehicle collision. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen revealed the presence of an abdominal wall defect that was unapparent on physical examination. The traumatic abdominal wall hernia in the right flank was successfully repaired laparoscopically. One-year follow-up has shown no sign of recurrence.

Discussion:

A traumatic abdominal wall hernia rarely presents following blunt trauma, but should be suspected following a high-impact motor vehicle collision. Frequently, repair is complicated by the need to have fixation of mesh to bony landmarks (eg, iliac crest). In spite of this challenge, the laparoscopic approach with tension-free mesh repair of a traumatic abdominal wall hernia can be accomplished successfully using an approach similar to that taken for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Staged management of giant traumatic abdominal wall defect: A rare case report

Blunt traumatic abdominal wall disruptions associated with evisceration (abdominal wall injury grade type VI) are very rare. We describe a case of large traumatic abdominal wall disruption with bowel evisceration and complete transection of jejunum and sigmoid colon that occurred after a 30-year-old male sustained run over injury to abdomen. Abdominal exploration and primary end to end jejuno-jejunal and colo-colic anastomosis were done. Staged management of giant abdominal wall defect was performed without any plastic reconstruction with good clinical outcome.

Blunt traumatic abdominal wall disruption with evisceration

Blunt traumatic abdominal wall disruptions associated with evisceration are very rare. The authors describe a case of traumatic abdominal wall disruption with bowel evisceration that occurred after a middle-aged woman sustained direct focal blunt force impact to the lower abdomen. Abdominal exploration and surgical repair of the abdominal wall defect were performed, with good clinical outcome. A brief overview of literature pertinent to this rare trauma scenario is presented.

Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia: A Case Report of High-Energy Type without Surgical Repair

Repair of traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) has been reported to be necessary. Reported here is one case of TAWH without repair. A 27-year-old man was accidentally sandwiched between a rock and a truck and admitted to our emergency department. There was a swelling of 10 cm in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. The enhanced computed tomographic scan demonstrated a large abdominal wall muscular defect, transverse colon protrusion, and the presence of subcutaneous emphysema at the site. Based on these findings, lacerated transverse colon entrapped in TAWH was diagnosed. The patient underwent emergency laparotomy for laceration of the transverse colon, duodenum and pancreas, and open book fracture of the pelvis. Repair of the hernia was not performed because of the possibility of abscess formation by stool contamination. However, the hernia disappeared and the patient is doing well without recurrence of hernia 16 months after injury.

Seatbelt Triad: Severe Abdominal Wall Disruption, Hollow Viscus Injury, and Major Vascular Injury

The triad of seatbelt-related severe abdominal wall disruption, hollow viscus injury, and distal abdominal aortic injury after a motor vehicle collision is uncommon. We present a small case series involving those three clinical features with the goal of preventing a future missed diagnosis of the distal abdominal aortic injury in particular.

Acute traumatic abdominal wall hernia

Although blunt abdominal trauma is frequent, traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWH) are rare. We describe a large TAWH with associated intra-abdominal lesions that were caused by high-energy trauma. The diagnosis was missed by clinical examination but was subsequently revealed by a computed tomography (CT) scan. Repair consisted of an open anatomical reconstruction of the abdominal wall layers with reinforcement by an intraperitoneal composite mesh. The patient recovered well and the results of a post-operative CT scan are presented.

[Acute traumatic abdominal wall hernia after blunt abdominal trauma]

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias are rare injuries despite the high incidence of blunt abdominal traumas. The mechanism of this injury includes a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure and extensive shear forces applied to the abdominal wall. The typical location is found at anatomic weak areas in the lower abdomen. Often, significant intra-abdominal injuries or injuries of the pelvis and chest are associated. We describe a case of an abdominal contusion trauma leading to a traumatic abdominal wall hernia beside the rectal sheath. In this case, parts of the small bowel penetrated through the ruptured muscle of the abdominal wall up to the subcutis. After appropriate diagnosis, the defect was repaired using a sheet of synthetic mesh to stabilize the abdominal wall. Based on this case, the management of blunt abdominal wall hernias and the literature are discussed.

Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia: Epidemiology and Clinical Implications

BACKGROUND

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWHs) are uncommon, and it remains controversial whether such patients require urgent laparotomy. As such, this study was undertaken to assess the clinical sequelae of operative versus nonoperative management of TAWH, and whether certain patient or injury characteristics are predictive of the need for early surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective review of all patients presenting acutely with a TAWH at a Regional Trauma Center from January 2000 to December 2004.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients were identified (age 39 +/- 12 years; Injury Severity Score 31 +/- 13). The most frequent mechanism of injury was motor vehicle collision (MVC; 24 cases), followed by motorcycle collision (6) and falls (4). The diagnosis of a TAWH was made primarily by computed tomography scan. Overall, 19 patients underwent urgent laparotomy or laparoscopy (56%) and 15 patients required bowel resection (44%). TAWH secondary to a MVC more frequently required urgent laparotomy and bowel resection than other mechanisms (p < 0.05). All three patients with clinically apparent anterior TAWH had intra-abdominal injuries and required urgent laparotomy. Only eight patients (24%) had their TAWH repaired acutely. At follow-up, two patients managed nonoperatively had symptomatic hernias, and three patients that had had an early repair had developed recurrent hernias.

CONCLUSIONS

First, the mechanism of injury should be considered when deciding if a patient with a TAWH needs an urgent laparotomy. Clinically apparent anterior TAWHs appear to have a high rate of associated injuries requiring urgent laparotomy. Finally, occult TAWHs diagnosed only by computed tomography may not require urgent laparotomy or hernia repair.

Traumatic lumbar hernia: report of cases and comprehensive review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Acute lumbar hernia secondary to blunt trauma is an uncommon injury of the abdominal wall and, when encountered, is a difficult challenge for the trauma surgeon.

METHODS

Three cases of lumbar hernia secondary to blunt trauma are described and a review of the literature was conducted for other such cases. Clinical, anatomic, and demographic data were extracted from these reports and analyzed.

RESULTS

Sixty-three cases of lumbar hernia secondary to blunt trauma were found in the English literature and three cases are described here. Hernias occurred most commonly in the inferior lumbar triangle (70%) and were most frequently a result of a motor vehicle collision (71%). Physical examination findings were variable and reported in only a minority of cases (palpable hernia, 33%; flank hematoma, 27%) and associated intra-abdominal injuries were common (61%). Most traumatic lumbar hernias were diagnosed immediately, and computed tomography was 98% sensitive for diagnosis. Fifty-eight percent of patients were managed initially with exploratory laparotomy. Timing of hernia repair was variable.

CONCLUSION

Traumatic lumbar hernias are associated with a high incidence of intra-abdominal injury and should be considered in all cases of severe blunt abdominal trauma. Computed tomography should be implemented when the diagnosis is suspected in a hemodynamically stable patient. Repair should be performed by mesh patching techniques at a time based on clinical correlation.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia: delayed presentation in two cases and a review of the literature

Blunt and penetrating abdominal traumas are an important source of morbidity and mortality in the western world, especially in the young populations. Although most attention during the (primary) diagnostic process is directed toward the detection of internal injuries of the abdomen, blunt or penetrating trauma to the abdomen may result in defects of the abdominal wall. The diagnosis of traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is rarely made. Morbidity due to TAWH, however, may be significant. In this article we report the delayed diagnosis of a TAWH in two patients after abdominal wall trauma and present a review of the literature concerning the diagnostic workup and treatment.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia: a reappraisal

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia, a rare cause of hernia, has a confusing clinical picture and requires a high index of suspicion for prompt diagnosis and management. Such hernias, if missed, can result in high morbidity and may prove fatal. Distinction from a pre-existing hernia is important as well. We report our experience in two such cases, which had presented in a span of 9 months, and submit a brief analysis of 50 reviewed cases.

Double traumatic abdominal wall hernia and colon laceration due to a pelvic fracture

A traumatic abdominal wall hernia was observed in association with a colonic laceration due to a pelvic fracture. The presence of this specific combination of injuries is a rare clinical entity. CT evaluation with intravenous and bowel contrast media identified the traumatic abdominal wall hernia and the bowel entrapment.

Traumatic ventral hernia: report of a case, with special reference to surgical treatment

A traumatic abdominal wall hernia is an unusual injury that may follow various types of blunt trauma. Differing patterns of muscular and fascial disruption can occur due to the different types of force involved as well as the tensile properties of the various areas in the abdominal wall. The anatomical defects which thus occur, therefore vary from small tears to large disruptions. A surgical repair is not always straightforward, and therefore close attention must be paid to such factors as the size and site of the defect, any associated intra-abdominal injuries, and the timing of repair, in order to achieve the best surgical repair. We consider the role of a computed tomography scan in the diagnosis of the muscular defects and associated injuries to be very important. Mesh repair offers an advantage in preventing recurrence in the presence of large defects, but strict criteria in their use must be followed, as the presence of hollow viscus injuries is an absolute contraindication to the use of mesh.