Post-traumatic duodenopancreatectomy in a child

F T Salman1, A Emre, L Abbasoğlu

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery and General Surgery, I.U. Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey.

Insights

A 5-year-old boy sustained severe abdominal injuries, including duodenal and pancreatic damage, after a car accident. Surgical repair and partial liver resection were required, with the patient recovering well.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Trauma Surgery
  • Abdominal Trauma

Background:

  • Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of pediatric injury.
  • Seatbelt and airbag use are crucial for preventing severe abdominal trauma in children.
  • Specific injury patterns can arise from unique accident dynamics.

Observation:

  • A 5-year-old boy presented with severe abdominal pain post-car accident.
  • The patient was positioned on the driver's lap, leading to abdominal compression between the driver and steering wheel.
  • Initial assessment revealed significant duodenal and pancreatic injuries.

Findings:

  • Intraoperative findings included a transected pancreas and extensive duodenal injury.
  • A Whipple-type reconstruction was performed for the pancreatic and duodenal damage.
  • Postoperative complications included extensive liver necrosis, necessitating a partial liver resection.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for severe intra-abdominal injuries in pediatric passengers, even in non-traditional seating positions.
  • Complex surgical reconstructions like the Whipple procedure may be necessary for pediatric pancreatic and duodenal trauma.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management of complications such as liver necrosis are critical for favorable outcomes in pediatric trauma patients.

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