Traumatic abdominal hernia: a case report and review of the literature

Traumatic abdominal hernia remains a rare clinical entity despite an overall increase in blunt abdominal trauma. What appears to be the most extensive traumatic abdominal hernia so far described is presented. Traumatic abdominal herniae fall into three general categories: small lower quadrant abdominal defects and inguinal hernias, typically the result of blunt trauma with bicycle handlebars, are the most common; larger abdominal wall defects sustained in motor vehicle accidents are the next most common hernias; intra-abdominal herniations through rents in the retroperitoneum are rarely seen. The diagnosis may often be established with physical examination alone. Conventional radiology, computerized tomography, and ultrasound have also proven useful. Because of the high incidence of other associated intra-abdominal injuries, early exploration and repair through a midline incision is advocated. Adequate debridement and solid repair of fascial planes with non-absorbable sutures are required to prevent recurrence.