title: Shrapnel injury due to a firecracker causing gastric and gallbladder perforation.
abstract: A 14-year-old boy presented with a penetrating injury to the abdomen after trying to light a firecracker. A piece of metal from the tin box in which he had ignited the firecracker had penetrated his abdomen. The patient, who was in a state of shock, underwent ultrasonography (USG) and radiography of the abdomen. USG revealed free fluid in the abdomen, while abdominal radiographs demonstrated free gas and a radiopaque object. Exploration revealed gastric and gallbladder perforations for which repair and cholecystectomy were done, respectively. Visceral injury following a firecracker explosion has not been reported previously. We would like to stress the importance of parental supervision to prevent irresponsible use of firecrackers, which can cause potentially life-threatening visceral injuries.
authors: Government Medical College Baroda & Sir Sayajirao General Hospital, Gujarat, India. drduttaroy@gmail.com
authors: Dipesh D
authors: DD
authors: Duttaroy
authors: Jitendra
authors: J
authors: Jagtap
authors: Ujjwal
authors: U
authors: Bansal
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013270:Stomach / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery