Low Voltage Electric Current Causing Ileal Perforation: A Rare Injury

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Electric current injuries can cause severe intra-abdominal complications.
• Ileal perforation is a rare but life-threatening consequence of electrical burns.
• Delayed diagnosis and management of ileal perforation lead to high morbidity and mortality.

Observation:

• An 8-year-old boy sustained an electric current injury to the left forearm, chest, and abdominal wall.
• The patient presented with a perforation of the ileum, a segment of the small intestine.
• The injury pattern suggested a severe internal complication from the electrical trauma.

Findings:

• The ileal perforation was successfully identified and diagnosed.
• The patient underwent surgical intervention for the gastrointestinal injury.
• Primary closure of the ileal perforation was performed as the management strategy.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates that primary closure can be an effective treatment for post-electric burn ileal perforation.
• Prompt surgical management is crucial for improving outcomes in pediatric patients with electrical injuries.
• Early recognition and intervention can prevent severe morbidity and mortality associated with this rare complication.