Management Of Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernias Research Articles

An Australian Approach to Managing Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernias

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWH) occur in less than one percent of trauma presentations. In the absence of clinical guidelines, management is centre-specific and largely dependent on surgeon experience. This study describes the management of TAWH in a high volume Australian trauma centre. A single centre retrospective cohort study was performed. Adults with TAWH as a result of blunt trauma, between January 2016 and July 2020, were included. Primary outcomes were the mechanism of injury, presentation, timing of repair, and operative technique used. A total of 16 patients (63% male; median age 36 years; median Injury Severity Score [ISS] 19.5) were identified. In total, 75% were the result of a motor vehicle accident. A total of 13 patients (81%) underwent repair. Eight patients received repair during emergency exploration undertaken for concurrent injuries. Three patients had a delayed repair during index admission, and two patients had an elective repair. Primary tissue repair was performed in seven patients. Mesh repair was used in six. Patients were followed for a median of 55.5 days. One patient had a recurrence of hernia following primary repair. This local series demonstrates that traumatic abdominal wall hernias may be successfully repaired during index admission using tissue or mesh techniques.

Blunt Trauma Leading to Anterior Abdominal Wall Hernia

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) has a reported incidence of around 1%. It is defined as herniation of intra-abdominal organs following trauma without skin penetration. High-energy trauma is often associated with intra-abdominal injury. Treatment options vary from non-operative management to surgical repair either open or laparoscopic. We present a case of a middle-aged male who presented with a history of rickshaw roll over injury. On examination, there was tender abdominal swelling with abrasions. Computerized Tomography (CT) scan confirmed the diagnosis of TAWH and free fluid in abdomen. Emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed. Mesenteric tears were repaired and primary restoration of abdominal wall was done. The patient was discharged on a fourth post-operative day without any complications. Management of TAWH should be tailored according to individual patient presentation. Midline exploratory laparotomy with the primary hernial repair is an operative intervention of choice for those with high-energy injury as there is an increased chance of accompanying visceral trauma. Keywords: Laparotomy; Trauma; Hernia.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias: Classification, diagnosis and management

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWHs) are uncommon health conditions that involve a disruption of the muscular layers after a blunt abdominal injury. A consensus in the management of TAWHs has not been established, owing to the scarce number of reported cases. These hernias can occur under a broad array of clinical presentations, from stable and asymptomatic patients to emergency situations with associated intra-abdominal injuries. The aetiology of TAWHs is diverse and can occur at all ages, however it is more likely to be reported in children and elderly patients. Clinical findings must be correlated with a CT scan, which will confirm the diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment were found to be associated with a lower risk of complications and mesh use during the surgical repair is an efficient mean of reducing recurrences after the surgical repair. However, the timing of repair and surgical solution still depends on the patient's condition.

Management of Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) can occur after blunt trauma and can be classified into low- or high-energy injuries. Low energy injuries occur after impact on a small blunt object. High-energy injuries are sustained during motor vehicle accidents or automobile versus pedestrian accidents. We present six cases of high-energy TAWH cases that were treated at our trauma center. All patients presented with varying degrees of abdominal tenderness with either abdominal skin ecchymosis or abrasions, which made physical examination difficult. CT scan confirmed the hernia in each patient. All six patients had associated injuries that required open repair. The abdominal wall defects were repaired primarily. Three patients (50%) in our series developed a postoperative wound infection or abscess. Review of the literature on low-energy TAWH shows no associated abdominal injuries. In conclusion distinction between low- and high-energy injury is imperative in the management of TAWH. Hernias following low-energy injuries can be repaired after local exploration through an incision overlying the defect. TAWHs following high-energy trauma should undergo exploratory laparotomy through a midline incision. The defect should be repaired primarily and prosthetics avoided because of the high incidence of postoperative infection.