Late presentation of isolated caecal perforation following blunt abdominal trauma: The utility of point-of-care ultrasound

Abstract

Colonic injuries after blunt trauma abdomen are a rare entity which may sometimes have a delayed presentation. In the intensive care unit (ICU), various interventions like sedation, analgesia and paralysis may confoundclinical examination findings pertaining to abdominal pathology. Computed tomography (CT) provides anexcellent diagnostic modality in blunt trauma abdomen but requirement of high ventilatory support and/orvasopressors may preclude safe transfer of patients from ICU to radiology suites. Point of care ultrasound (POCUS)provides an excellent adjunct in diagnosis of hollow viscus perforation and is considered as a reliable alternative toplain radiograph for the diagnosis of pneumoperitoneum