Citation

Hardcastle TC, Du Toit DF, Malherbe C, Coetzee GN, Hoogerboord M, Warren BL, Modin CC. S. Afr. J. Surg. 2005; 43(2): 41-43.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery and Section of Trauma, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, W Cape.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Association of Surgeons of South Africa)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16035382

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To review blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWHs) in our institution. METHOD: 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. CONCLUSION: This uncommon injury requires a high index of suspicion and a low threshold for intervention. CT scan offers the best imaging potential.

Language: en