Citation

Patel K, Doolin R, Suggett N. Int. J. Surg. Case Rep. 2013; 4(11): 958-960.

Affiliation

Department of Colorectal Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2WB, United Kingdom. Electronic address: kamleshpatel@doctors.org.uk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ijscr.2013.08.003

PMID

24055917

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Closed rupture of rectus abdominis following seatbelt related trauma is rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present the case of a 45 year old female who presented with closed rupture of the rectus abdominis in conjunction with damage to small bowel mesentery and infarction of small and large bowel following a high velocity road traffic accident. Multiple intestinal resections were required resulting in short bowel syndrome and abdominal wall reconstruction with a porcine collagen mesh. Post-operative complications included intra-abdominal sepsis and an enterocutaneous fistula. DISCUSSION: The presence of rupture of rectus abdominis muscle secondary to seatbelt injury should raise the suspicion of intra-abdominal injury. CONCLUSION: Our case highlights the need for suspicion, investigation and subsequent surgical management of intra-abdominal injury following identification of this rare consequence of seatbelt trauma.

Language: en