Isolated appendix perforation in a blunt traumatic abdominal hernia: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Isolated traumatic appendicular perforation is an extremely rare complication of blunt abdominal trauma. The concurrent occurrence with blunt traumatic abdominal hernia represents an exceptionally rare combination, with fewer than 10 cases documented in the literature worldwide.

CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of an 18-year-old male who sustained isolated traumatic appendicular perforation with concurrent blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernia following a high-speed motor vehicle accident. The patient presented with right lumbar swelling and underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy, which revealed perforation at the base of the appendix with complete disruption of the mesoappendix and active bleeding from the appendicular artery, herniated through a traumatic abdominal wall defect.

CONCLUSION: This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining high clinical suspicion for complex intra-abdominal injuries in blunt trauma patients. Early recognition and surgical intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes in these rare combined injuries.

Keywords

Appendectomy / blunt abdominal trauma / blunt traumatic abdominal hernia / emergency surgery / isolated appendicular perforation

References

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International Journal of Abdominal Wall and Hernia Surgery | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow on behalf of Higher Education Press