Case report of traumatic abdominal wall hernia caused by seat belt

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is a rare form of hernia that is caused by disruption of the abdominal wall musculature and fascia. The diagnostic criteria and classification of TAWH are still unclear; furthermore, the ideal timing and method of surgical treatment are still unclear. Herein, we report a case of TAWH and describe the surgical approach used.

A 71-year-old Han Chinese female presented for swelling in the right lower abdominal quadrant. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy because of a car collision before 1 year ago.

She was finally diagnosed with TAWH according to the abdominal computed tomography (CT) and surgery.

She was performed with an open surgery to repair the TAWH.

The patient was discharged without complications and showed no recurrence or complications during a follow-up period of 6 months.

TAWH is a rare form of hernia that presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The appropriate timing and approach of surgical treatment for TAWH depend on a case-by-case basis. This case highlights that delayed selective surgery may be more suitable for stable patients.