A rare case of isolated transverse colon perforation following blunt trauma abdomen-case report with review of literature

Abstract

Colon injury is far more common in penetrating injury than blunt trauma abdomen. Blunt trauma to the abdomen is more likely to damage solid organs such as the liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys. Colon injury in blunt trauma is severe and is associated with other organ, making its diagnosis difficult. However, isolated transverse colon injury in blunt trauma is rare. We report a case of 62 year old female who presented to us with blunt trauma to abdomen following motor vehicle accident. The patient was having tenderness and guarding all over abdomen. X-ray abdomen was normal, ultrasonogrm of abdomen showed presence of free fluid. Patient was operated on clinical basis. A single perforation of size 2 cm×1 cm was present in transverse colon on and there was no other injury. The perforation was primarily closed. Isolated transverse colon injury is rare presentation. Initial radiologic investigations may be misleading. Most of the injuries can be managed with primary repair in absence of gross contamination and shock.