Blunt Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia in Children: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (TDH) is rare in children, most often occurring following blunt thoracoabdominal trauma from high energy mechanisms, such as motor vehicle collisions (MVC). We performed a systematic review to describe injury details and management. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was performed to identify publications of blunt TDH in patients < 18 y old. Conflicts were resolved by consensus. Data were collected on demographics, TDH location, mechanism of injury, associated intraabdominal injuries (IAI), management, and outcomes. Denominators vary depending on number of patients with such information reported. RESULTS: Fifty-eight articles were reviewed with 142 patients with TDH. The median age was seven y (range 0.25-16). Most were left-sided (85 of 126, 67.5%). MVC was the most common mechanism (66 of 142, 46.5%). IAI was present in 50.0% (57 of 114), most commonly liver injuries (25 of 57, 43.9%). Delayed diagnoses occurred in 49.6% (57 of 115, range 8 h-10 y), and were more common with right-sided TDH (76.0% versus 48.5%, P = 0.02). Chest radiography was 59.0% sensitive for TDH, while computed tomography sensitivity was 65.8%. Operative repair was performed on all surviving patients, and all underwent primary diaphragm repair. The overall mortality was 11.3% (n = 16), with four attributable to the TDH. There were no reported recurrences over a median follow-up of 12 mo. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric TDH is a rare diagnosis with a high rate of associated IAI and delayed diagnosis. Primary diaphragm repair was performed in all cases. Surgeons should maintain a high suspicion for diaphragm injury in blunt thoracoabdominal trauma.

Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia in Children: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) in children is an uncommon injury and most commonly occurs after blunt abdominal trauma. There is no consensus on the management of these rare cases. We performed a systematic review of the literature to describe injuries, management, and outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar was performed to identify English-language publications of blunt TAWH in patients <18 y old. Conflicts were resolved by consensus. Data were collected on demographics, associated injuries, management, and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 71 articles were reviewed with 100 cases of TAWH. A total of 82.5% of patients were male, and the median age was 9 y old (range 2-15). Injury by bicycle handlebars was most common (72%) followed by motor vehicle collision (14%). Forty patients had intraabdominal injuries, most commonly bowel (70%) or mesentery (37.5%). Rate of intraabdominal injury was significantly higher in patients with injuries due to nonbicycle handlebar injuries when compared with bicycle handlebar injuries (60.7% versus 33.3%, P = 0.02). Most patients were managed operatively (85%), most commonly via laparotomy (68/85, 80%), with six laparoscopic repairs and five laparoscopic converted to open repairs. There were three reported complications and no recurrences over a median of follow-up of 5 mo in patients who underwent repair. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric TAWH is a rare injury with a high rate of intraabdominal injuries, particularly when due to high-impact mechanisms such as motor vehicle collision. Although open repair is more commonly performed, laparoscopic repair has been described with success. Recurrence rates appear low, but follow-up has been short term.

Pediatric traumatic abdominal wall hernia as a component of the seatbelt syndrome: a case series and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Blunt impact-induced traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is an uncommon pediatric surgical problem classically associated with handlebar injury but increasingly seen with seatbelt use in motor vehicle collisions (MVC). Herein we describe the largest case series of pediatric TAWH to date and review the literature to establish the unique syndromic characteristics of MVC-associated TAWH. METHODS: In this single-institution series, we discuss four pediatric patients, all with seatbelt-associated TAWH after high-speed MVC characterized by full-thickness disruption of the lateral abdominal wall. We then performed a review of the literature to identify additional pediatric MVC-associated TAWH and define the characteristics of patients who sustained this unique injury. RESULTS: In addition to the four patients in our case series, five additional pediatric patients presenting with TAWH after restrained MVC were identified in the literature. Of these nine patients, eight (89%) presented with an obvious seatbelt sign (bruising/laceration to the abdominal wall). Six (67%) had associated injuries typical of the seatbelt syndrome, including four spinal flexion injuries (44%) and five bowel injuries requiring repair or resection (56%). Overall, 56% of seatbelt-associated TAWH occurred in children with a BMI percentile > 95%. CONCLUSIONS: In this case series and literature review, we note a high rate of seatbelt syndrome injuries in pediatric patients presenting with TAWH after restrained MVC. Suspicion for TAWH should be high in children presenting with a seatbelt sign and should trigger a low threshold for pursuing additional axial imaging. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; case series.

Abdominal herniation associated with bullhorn injury as a separate entity from traumatic abdominal wall hernias.

Bullhorn injury is a rare mechanism causing traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH). Bullhorn injury needs to be discussed as a separate sub-entity among TAWHs as the mechanism of injury is such that the great force is generated at a relatively small area of impact for a short duration of time which may lead to muscle defect without compromising integrity of overlying skin (referred to as sheathed goring) leading to herniation of abdominal viscera. The purpose of this review was to discuss abdominal herniation's associated with bullhorn injury as a separate entity from TAWHs; recognize the common presentations, mechanism of injury, and modalities of treatment currently utilized for this rare condition. A comprehensive online English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French language medical literature search was done using various electronic search databases. Different search terms including MeSH related to bullhorn-injury associated injuries including abdominal wall hernias were used. An advanced search was further conducted by combining all the search fields in abstracts, keywords, and titles. We summarized the data from the searched articles and found 12 cases who underwent emergency or elective herniorrhaphy with or without the use of mesh. We have proposed a treatment algorithm for such cases in light of the present era of laparoscopy and propose the usage of the term "bullhorn-injury associated traumatic hernia" for such cases. We present here the first most comprehensive discussion of all such cases reported till date.

A case of bowel perforation due to traumatic hernia at a pelvic fracture site: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Common complications of pelvic fractures include visceral injury, large-volume hemorrhage, genitourinary injury, rectal injury, and pulmonary embolism. On the other hand, traumatic hernia is a rare complication, especially in association with pelvic fractures. We report a case of bowel perforation due to traumatic hernia at a pelvic fracture site. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old female was presented at our hospital for further examination and treatment of ileus. She was diagnosed with bowel perforation due to traumatic hernia at a pelvic fracture site, and an emergency operation was thus immediately performed. We performed segmental jejunum resection and constructed jejunostomy, and the iliac bone fracture was fixed with four pins. In the postoperative course, she received antibiotics and vasopressors for septic shock. However, there was no need for either a ventilator, dialysis or admission to the ICU. At seven days after the operation, a residual abscess was detected in the pouch of Douglas. We performed percutaneous drainage (Clavien-Dindo IIIa) and jejunostomy closedown 35 days after the first operation. The postoperative course was without complication, but she received rehabilitation until she was able to walk unaided. She was discharged 64 days after the first operation. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of traumatic hernia is rare, especially in association with pelvic fractures. Although its rarity, traumatic hernia follows a severe course. Thus, proper diagnosis and effective treatment are necessary. Surgeons treating patients with pelvic injuries should consider the possibility of any complications and perform a work-up examination in order to achieve an accurate diagnosis at an earlier time point.

Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia: Management Using a Standardized Approach.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias are a rare complication of high energy blunt trauma. There exist several studies evaluating and outlining potential management options but still no generalized consensus on management. This series was meant to evaluate the diagnosis and management of traumatic abdominal wall hernias. A prospectively maintained database was used to identify patients with TAWH from 2021 to 2022. The primary outcome was operative management. Secondary outcomes included: time to diagnosis and post-operative outcomes. Of the 19 patients in this case series, 100% (n = 19/19) were secondary to blunt trauma with a mean ISS of 21. Exploratory laparotomy was performed in 17 cases. 14 cases had concomitant traumatic injuries to visceral structures. Complications were found in nearly half of the patients with 3 experiencing wound dehiscence. Future studies should be aimed at standardizing management approach taking into account nature of the mechanism and concomitant injuries.

Robotic Evaluation and Repair of Penetrating Injury of the Abdominal Wall.

This case demonstrated the feasibility of robotic-assisted exploratory laparoscopy in a hemodynamically stable trauma patient and abdominal wall repair with a favorable outcome. The patient presented with a stab wound at the left middle posterior flank. A computer tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated penetrating soft tissue injury to the left lateral abdominal wall with herniation of the omentum. A robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach was implemented to evaluate for visceral injury and to repair the abdominal wall. Diagnostic laparoscopy ruled out visceral and diaphragmatic injuries, and robotic primary tissue repair of the abdominal wall was performed. The patient was discharged home the following day. Laparoscopy for hemodynamically stable trauma patients has shown the benefit of decreased morbidity and decreased hospital stay compared to laparotomy. In turn, the robotic surgical approach has all the benefits of laparoscopy while bringing additional benefits of improved surgical dexterity, visualization, range of motion, and ergonomics.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia: Case report of atypical origin.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is an injury that occurs after an abdominal wall blunt trauma consisting of fasciomuscular rupture and does not present skin penetration. Documenting unique and rare clinical cases, such as traumatic hernia without skin penetration, enriches the medical literature and provides valuable information to identify innovative and optimised approaches for the treatment of similar cases in the future. CASE PRESENTATION: 48-year-old female with no significant medical history presented to the emergency room after being directly hit by a 1200 kg vehicle while standing in the street. Clinical examination revealed a TAWH with total elevation and total loss of insertion of all abdominal wall muscles on the right side, and no involvement of the overlying skin secondary to the mechanism of trauma. The patient agreed to surgical management after being thoroughly informed about the procedure. Surgical exploration was performed with the patient in a lateral position, and the incision was made over the hernia sac. A monopolar electrocautery was used to expose the iliac crest and fully visualize the defect before drilling through the iliac crest. Soft macroporous polypropylene mesh repair was guided through the iliac crest and abdominal wall using a suture and secured with knots. The patient showed a satisfactory and favorable progress. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The present surgical technique is recommended for atypical cases of high-strength TAWH.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia and Morel-Lavallee lesion in a pediatric patient.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias and abdominal Morel-Lavallee lesions rarely occur in blunt abdominal trauma. There are only a few documented cases of these occurring simultaneously, especially in the pediatric population. We report a case of a 15-year-old boy with a concomitant traumatic abdominal wall hernia and Morel-Lavallee lesions. Abdominal wall reconstruction was performed successfully via the collaboration of trauma, minimally invasive surgery, and plastic surgery teams.

Delayed hepatothorax: An unusual presentation case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: We are reporting a case of a delayed hepatothorax due to a right-sided diaphragmatic rupture 13 years after a blunt trauma due to a motor vehicle accident, who presented as isolated gastritis without any type of respiratory symptomatology. CASE PRESENTATION: Patient refers that his symptoms remained refractory to medical treatment and had gotten worse over time. Chest wall inspection showed asymmetric thoracic expansion and a decreased movement of right hemithorax when compared to the left. Cardiorespiratory auscultation was significant for growling sounds on the right second intercostal space and reduction of breath sounds on the right lower lobe region of the lung when compared to the left side. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Thoracotomy was indicated since patient presented late. Meanwhile, laparotomy would have been appropriate if the patient had presented immediately after trauma. After the procedure, the patient presented in great condition and all the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with the traumatic diaphragmatic hernia had resolved. We propose that the absence of respiratory symptoms in our patient could be due to the progressive adaptation of small, cumulative changes in decreasing breathing capacity through time. CONCLUSION: A case like ours has not been reported in the literature and clinicians should take this case report into consideration when suspecting a possible diagnosis of a delayed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia that may be complicated by a hepatothorax. We recommend maintaining a high index of clinical suspicion for hepatothorax due to delayed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia for all patients with a history of trauma.

Traumatic inguinal hernia after fall from truck on a broom.

Background: Inguinal hernias are among the most common abdominal wall hernias but rarely caused by penetrating trauma. Case presentation: We report a case of a 61-year-old patient with a traumatic inguinal hernia after penetrating injury through the inguinal canal. Local inspection of the intestines and abdominal cavity showed no fecal spill, blood clots or signs of contamination. Therefore, no laparoscopy or laparotomy was initiated. The abdominal wall was closed using a mesh patch. No infections or re-herniation occurred. Conclusion: Clinicians could consider local exploration in the treatment of traumatic inguinal hernias.

An algorithm for the management of traumatic abdominal wall hernia based on a 9-year review.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is a rare consequence of blunt abdominal trauma, usually in the setting of multitrauma, with little consensus or guidelines for management. We present a case series of patients with traumatic herniae over a 9-year period and a suggested management algorithm. METHOD: Retrospective review of all patients with TAWH from 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2019 at a Level 1 adult Major Trauma Centre. Clinical presentation, surgical intervention and complications and recurrence were analysed. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were found to have TAWH, 0.5% of all major trauma admissions. Thirty (63.8%) were repaired, 12 acutely, 11 semi-acute and 7 delayed. All but 1 (fall>3 m) were transport associated, with a median Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 29. Follow-up data for operative cases were available for all but one (97%). Seven (23.3%) cases had a recurrence, more common in the acute repair group (33.3%) compared to semi-acute (18.2%), and elective group (14.3%). CONCLUSION: TAWH is a rare but potentially serious consequence of blunt abdominal trauma. This series has favoured earlier repair for anterior TAWH, or all those undergoing a laparotomy for other reasons, and elective repair for lumbar or lateral TAWH that do not require a laparotomy for other conditions. We present our preferred algorithm for management, accepting that there are many available strategies in this heterogeneous group of injuries. Loss of follow up and recurrence are a concern, and clinicians are encouraged to develop processes to ensure that TAWH are not a 'forgotten hernia'.

Thoracoabdominal approach for traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in a hemodynamically unstable patient.

Background: Diaphragmatic hernias with strangulated contents are a surgical challenge. Thoracoabdominal incisions are commonly used for a variety of thoracic and vascular cases, although rarely used for diaphragmatic hernias, which are typically repaired with laparotomy, thoracotomy, or minimally invasive approaches. Case report: We present the unique case of a 60-year-old, critically ill unstable patient with severe heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (15-25%) and severe valve disease presenting with a left-sided diaphragmatic hernia containing strangulated small intestine and requiring urgent surgical exploration. This was safely and efficiently repaired via a thoracoabdominal approach at the index surgery, with intestines left in discontinuity and placement of temporary chest and abdominal closure. At the second planned operation, good continuity was successfully restored. Results: The patient had early extubation, gradual diet advancement with full recovery, and discharge home on postoperative day 17. Conclusion: A thoracoabdominal incision can safely be used in large strangulated diaphragmatic hernias, including in critically unstable patients. This approach provides rapid access to both the chest and abdomen with excellent, speedy, and safe exposure, which can save a life in extreme conditions.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias in children: A case for early exploration.

PURPOSE: Traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is a rare consequence of blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). We examined a series of patients suffering TAWH to evaluate its frequency, rate of associated concurrent intraabdominal injuries (CAI) and correlation with CT, management and outcomes. METHODS: A Level 1 pediatric trauma center trauma registry was queried for children less than 18 years old suffering TAWH from BAT between 2009 and 2019. RESULTS: 9370 patients were admitted after BAT. TAWH was observed in 11 children, at incidence 0.1%. Eight children (73%) were male, at mean age 10 years, and mean ISS of 16. Six cases (55%) were because of MVC, three (27%) impaled by a handlebar or pole, and two (18%) dragged under large machinery. Seven (64%) had a CAI requiring operative or interventional management. Patients with CAI were similar to those without other injury, with 20% and 50% CT scan sensitivity and specificity for detection of associated injury, respectively. Five patients had immediate hernia repair with laparotomy for repair of intraabdominal injury, three had delayed repair, two have asymptomatic unrepaired TAWH, and one resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Children with TAWH have high rates of CAI requiring operative repair. CT scans have low sensitivity and specificity for detecting associated injuries. A high suspicion of injury and low threshold for exploration must be maintained in TAWH cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Timing of repair and mesh use in traumatic abdominal wall defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis of current literature.

Background: Traumatic abdominal wall hernias or defects (TAWDs) after blunt trauma are rare and comprehensive literature on this topic is scarce. Altogether, there is no consensus about optimal methods and timing of repair, resulting in a surgeon's dilemma. The aim of this study was to analyze current literature, comparing (1) acute versus delayed repair and (2) mesh versus no mesh repair. Methods: A broad and systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. The selected articles were assessed on methodological quality using a modified version of the CONSORT 2010 Checklist and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Primary endpoint was hernia recurrence, diagnosed by clinical examination or CT. Random effects meta-analyses on hernia recurrence rates after acute versus delayed repair, and mesh versus no mesh repair, were conducted separately. Results: In total, 19 studies were evaluated, of which 6 were used in our analysis. These studies reported a total of 229 patients who developed a TAWD, of whom a little more than half underwent surgical repair. Twenty-three of 172 patients (13%) who had their TAWD surgically repaired developed a recurrence. In these studies, nearly 70% of the patients who developed a recurrence had their TAWD repaired primarily without a mesh augmentation and mostly during the initial hospitalization. Pooled analysis did not show any statistically significant favor for either use of mesh augmentation or the timing of surgical repair. Conclusion: Although 70% of the recurrences occurred in patients without mesh augmentation, pooled analysis did not show significant differences in either mesh versus no mesh repair, nor acute versus delayed repair for the management of traumatic abdominal wall defects. Therefore, a patient's condition (e.g., concomitant injuries) should determine the timing of repair, preferably with the use of a mesh augmentation.

Pelvic Ring Fracture Accompanying Traumatic Thrombosis and Posterior Peritoneum Hernia in a 2-Year-Old Child: A Case Report.

A 2-year-old girl who was badly injured by a forklift, was presented to the emergency department with open and comminuted pelvic fracture, dislocation of right sacroiliac jointand femoral neck fracture on the left side. An urgent debridement was performed. However, postoperatively, the girl had apparent abdominal distension. The results of contrast-enhanced CT implied that the intestineherniated through the fissure formed by dislocation of the sacroiliac joint, which was confirmed during the operation. Therefore, hernia repair and reduction of the sacroiliac joint were performed by a Multidisciplinary team.With regard to patient's age, the sacroiliac joint was reduced and sutured with two absorbable anchors. The fracture healed in the following 3 months after discharge.

Hérnia torácica traumática associada a laceração de lobo pulmonarcaudal em cão / Traumatic thoracic hernia associated with laceration of the caudal lung lobe in a dog

Traumas torácicos são comuns em pacientes traumatizados e incluem principalmente contusão pulmonar, laceração pulmonar, pneumotórax, hemotórax, fraturas de costela e esterno e hérnia diafragmática. As principais causas são acidentes automobilísticos, quedas e mordeduras. Taquipneia ou dispneia são possíveis sinais clínicos, associados a choque hipovolêmico e sinais gastrointestinais. Lesões torácicas podem ser negligenciadas quando lesões distrativas, como fratura de membros, estão presentes. Assim, o exame clínico minucioso é obrigatório e os animais com insuficiência respiratória podem necessitar de estabilização e cirurgia de emergência. Considerando a importância do trauma torácico na prática clínica, o objetivo deste manuscrito é relatar o caso de hérnia espúria torácica associada a laceração traumática de lobo pulmonar caudal em uma cadela apresentando dispneia intensa após trauma automobilístico. Após uma avaliação emergencial e exames radiográficos, foi diagnosticado tórax instável, fraturas de costelas, contusão pulmonar e pneumotórax grave. Após estabilização clínica, foi realizado tratamento cirúrgico para estabilização do tórax instável. Durante a cirurgia, observou-se herniação e laceração do lobo caudal esquerdo do pulmão, sendo realizadas suturas para correção da laceração pulmonar e estabilização do gradil costal, além da toracostomia para controle do pneumotórax. Nos casos de tórax instável e encarceramento lobar, o tratamento cirúrgico é fundamental, como realizado neste caso, com o objetivo de reparar e reposicionar o lobo pulmonar e estabilizar o tórax instável. A herniação pulmonar traumática é um possível diagnóstico diferencial no tórax instável pós-traumático, assim como a reparação do lobo e a estabilização das costelas por meio de suturas são técnicas eficazes de tratamento cirúrgico.

Thoracic traumas are common in trauma patients and mainly include pulmonary contusion, pulmonary laceration, pneumothorax, hemothorax, rib and sternum fractures and diaphragmatic hernia. The main causes are car accidents, falls and bites. Tachypnea or dyspnea are possible clinical signs, associated with hypovolemic shock and gastrointestinal signs. Thoracic injuries may be overlooked when distracting injuries, such as limb fractures, are present. Thus, thorough clinical examination is mandatory and animals with respiratory failure may require stabilization and emergency surgery. Considering the importance of thoracic trauma in clinical practice, the manuscript aimed to report the case of spurious thoracic hernia associated with traumatic laceration of the caudal lung lobe in a bitch with severe dyspnea after car trauma. After an emergency evaluation and radiographic examinations, a flail chest, rib fractures, pulmonary contusion and severe pneumothorax were diagnosed. After clinical stabilization, surgical treatment was performed to stabilize the flail chest. During surgery, herniation and laceration of the left caudal lobe of the lung were observed, and sutures were performed to correct the pulmonary laceration and stabilize the rib cage, in addition to thoracostomy to control the pneumothorax. In cases of flail chest and lobar entrapment, surgical treatment is essential, as in this case, with the aim of repairing and repositioning the pulmonary lobe and stabilizing the flail chest. Traumatic pulmonary herniation is a possible differential diagnosis in post-traumatic flail chest, as well as repairing the lobe and stabilizing the ribs using sutures are effective surgical treatment techniques.

Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia: Early or Delayed Repair?

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia after blunt trauma is a rare entity. They can easily be overlooked in patients who have multiple trauma, as its signs and symptoms may be variable due to the presence of multiple injuries. Imaging with computed tomography or ultrasound confirms the diagnosis as well as identifying any associated injuries. Although surgery is the standard treatment for traumatic abdominal wall hernias, there is no consensus on the early or late repair of the defect. Some authors recommend early surgical intervention in order to avoid the risk of intra-abdominal organ injury, incarceration, and strangulation. In this study, we report our experience in three cases, which did not involve emergency surgery. Long-term outcome is successful. Elective hernia repair may be safe and feasible in stable patients.