Traumatic handlebar hernia associated with hepatic herniation: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

A traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is a rare type of hernia that occurs after blunt trauma to the abdomen. TAWH caused by direct trauma from bicycle handlebars is even more rare with fewer than 30 cases having being reported. Recognition of these hernias is important, because they may be associated with significant intrabdominal injuries. Despite an overall increase in incidence of blunt abdominal trauma, cases of TAWH remain rare, probably because of elasticity of the abdominal wall resists the shear forces generated by a traumatic impact. A high level of clinical suspicion is required for diagnosis of TAWH in patients with handlebar injuries. We present the case of a 20-year-old man with a traumatic handlebar hernia associated with herniation of the liver and hepatic ductal injury, which was managed successfully by a delayed repair of the hernia.