Repair of a traumatic lateral abdominal wall hernia in an 11-year-old boy, using a minimally invasive approach

Abstract

We present the case of an 11-year-old boy who sustained blunt abdominal trauma while bicycling. An abdominal computed tomography scan obtained during his trauma evaluation was suspicious of a right-sided abdominal wall hernia with acute inflammatory changes although there was no palpable mass on physical examination. In follow-up, he was found to have a palpable mass in his right lateral abdominal wall, which enlarged with valsalva. The hernia was repaired primarily using a minimally invasive approach with a 5-mm umbilical cannula and a stab incision over the defect. He was discharged home on the first post-operative day. At 1 year follow-up, he is symptom-free without evidence of recurrence. Lateral abdominal wall hernias in the pediatric patient are uncommon but can result from trauma. Primary repair using a minimally invasive approach is safe and effective in achieving adequate closure.