Pancreatic Trauma with Splenic Preservation (A Case Report)

Abstract

Trauma to the pancreas is rare, occurring in 0.2 to 3% of abdominal injuries. They are associated with high mortality and morbidity if diagnosis is delayed. Their clinical symptomatology is atypical. Abdominal CT scans can diagnose pancreatic injury and rupture of the main pancreatic duct. It is important that surgeons are aware of the issues and principles of management of pancreatic injury. We report the case of a 33-year-old patient with no previous pathological history. Admitted for a closed abdominal contusion following a road traffic accident with an abdominal impact point without initial loss of consciousness and generalized abdominal contracture. Abdominal CT scan showed a hypodense area in the tail of the pancreas not enhanced after contrast injection, possibly related to a pancreatic fracture and a medium-sized peritoneal effusion. The patient underwent corporo-caudal pancreatectomy with splenic preservation. Postoperative follow-up was favorable. The clinical evolution judged on regular controls was favorable over a period of 2 years. We would like to share a very difficult clinical case and our experience with the support of the literature. This is a challenge to clinicians and surgeons above all.