Abstract
Penetrating trauma of the colon is usually diagnosed intraoperatively and missed injuries cause considerable morbidity and mortality. Herein, we described an intraoperative diagnostic method for invisible openings on the colon due to a birdshot injury. A 30-yearold man was admitted to the hospital after sustaining gunshot pellet injuries to his abdomen, back, and extremities. Emergency laparotomy relieved splenic injury and free pellet fragments in the abdomen. A pellet fragment was also palpated in the descending colon. Despite meticulous inspection of the colon, it failed to show the entrance of the pellet. An 18F catheter was passed through the anus and was connected to a CO2 insufflator of the laparoscopy unit. The abdominal cavity was filled with normal saline and 1.5 l of CO2 was inflated into the rectum. Five tiny (2-mm) openings on the retroperitoneal part of the descending colon were demonstrated with the help of the air bubbles. All of the openings were sutureligated and his postoperative course was uneventful. We believe that inflating the colon in cases of abdominal birdshot injuries may allow the demonstration of tiny perforations and provide immediate repairs of missed injuries.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
