Traumatic distal pancreatic transection: beware of the horses

Blunt pancreatic trauma is rare; however, if missed, it can lead to devastating consequences such as fistula, pancreatitis, and pseudocyst. Blunt trauma accounts for 30% of all pancreatic injuries. High-speed motor vehicle collisions make up the greatest proportion of blunt pancreatic trauma, whereas other causes could be easily overlooked because of being so rare. In this case report we present a case of full-thickness transection of pancreatic tail after being kicked by a horse. The injury was timely identified and successfully treated by completing transection with a stapler. Considering that delay in diagnosis leads to a morbidity rate of 20%, physicians must have high level of suspicion and knowledge of invasive and noninvasive modalities to ensure early detection of pancreatic trauma and a positive outcome.