Penetrating esophageal injury: A diagnostic challenge in resource-limited settings; a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Penetrating injuries to the upper aerodigestive tract are potentially life-threatening, with significant morbidity and mortality. Although rare, the cervical esophagus is the most vulnerable part of the esophagus to penetrating injuries. Given the unique and condensed anatomy of the neck, penetrating injuries to the second zone of the neck pose a demanding challenge. Contention exists in diagnosing and managing penetrating esophageal injuries. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein is a case of a young male with a penetrating neck injury from the left lateral aspect with subsequent esophageal injury. An early primary repair with muscle buttress resulted in admirable results. DISCUSSION: Accurate diagnosis and timely management are critical in deflating morbidity and mortality. Flexible esophagoscopy and Computed tomography with water-soluble contrast are the ideal modalities for diagnosing penetrating neck injuries, as clinical evaluation alone can readily overlook cervical esophagus injury. The esophageal repair depends on the patient's clinical condition, the extent of damage, anatomical location, and duration of the injury. Management varies from a conservative approach to radical esophagectomies. Surgery remains a cornerstone in managing penetrating esophageal injuries. Primary repair with an external drain is advocated within 24 h of injury. CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion and timely diagnosis are critical in successfully managing penetrating esophageal injuries. Neck injuries demand a comprehensive evaluation for any aerodigestive or vascular leaks. Early primary repair with a muscle buttress improves the chance of an effective repair.

Chylous ascites and pancreatic pseudocyst on a child following blunt abdominal trauma; a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Chylous ascites is the collection of milky-like fluid rich in triglycerides within the peritoneal cavity. It results from disruption of normal intestinal lymphatic flow. It is caused mainly by congenital anomalies, trauma, and malignancy. Chylous ascites following blunt abdominal injury is uncommon in pediatrics. Chyle duct and pancreatic injuries present a rare clinical sequela yet to be reported in the literature. Conservative management is the mainstay of treating chyle duct injuries, reserving invasive measures for unique circumstances. CASE PRESENTATION: A case of an eleven-year-old female who suffered blunt thoracoabdominal trauma and sustained injuries to the chest, pancreas, and chyle duct. She had clinical signs of peritonism and decreased air entry on the right hemithorax. While she underwent abdominal exploration, the chylous ascites eventually resolved on conservative management, and the pancreatic pseudocyst was later drained percutaneously. DISCUSSION: Chylous ascites and pancreatic pseudocyst is uncommon in pediatrics. While surgery is indicated in selected cases, a conservative approach is advocated in managing lymphatic leaks. Diet with low triglycerides and high protein is advocated to decrease lymph production. Treatment of pancreatic pseudocyst varies from conservative (watchful waiting) to drainage measures. CONCLUSION: Although chylous ascites is not expected following trauma, has to be considered among differential free peritoneal fluid. Pancreatic injuries are common but difficult to diagnose. CT and MRCP are preferred modalities for diagnosing pancreatic injuries. While dietary modification and drainage of the chylous ascites were the mainstays in managing chyle duct injury, pancreatic pseudocyst resolved after percutaneous drainage.