Traumatic abdominal wall hernia--four cases and a review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
To review blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWHs) in our institution.


METHODS
Retrospective review of blunt abdominal trauma cases over a 6-month period.


RESULTS
Four patients with TAWH were identified. The mean age was 36 years. Three had been involved in vehicular collisions, and 1 had been assaulted with a large stone. All were diagnosed on presentation, 3 by computed tomography scan and 1 clinically. Two were repaired as emergencies, and 1 was repaired after 4 months. The 4th patient refused surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
This uncommon injury requires a high index of suspicion and a low threshold for intervention. CT scan offers the best imaging potential.
Hardcastle
T C
TC
Department of Surgery and Section of Trauma, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, W Cape.
Du Toit
D F
DF
Malherbe
C
C
Coetzee
G N
GN
Hoogerboord
M
M
Warren
B L
BL
Modin
C C
CC
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology