Small bowel stenosis after blunt abdominal trauma: a case report

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Trauma Surgery
• Abdominal Surgery

Background:

• Small bowel stenosis following blunt abdominal trauma is uncommon.
• Delayed progression from trauma to stenosis is often observed.
• This case presents an early diagnosis and surgical intervention for post-traumatic small bowel stenosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of early-diagnosed small bowel stenosis after blunt abdominal trauma.
• To illustrate the successful laparoscopic surgical management of this condition.

Main Methods:

• An 18-year-old male sustained blunt abdominal trauma, leading to kidney, adrenal, and aortic injuries.
• Conservative management was initiated, but small bowel stenosis developed by hospital day 13.
• Laparoscopic surgery involving partial resection and anastomosis was performed on hospital day 21.

Main Results:

• Computed tomography confirmed small bowel stenosis and proximal dilation.
• Laparoscopic surgery revealed mesenteric congestion and scarring around three stenotic regions.
• The patient experienced a stable postoperative course and was discharged on postoperative day eight.

Conclusions:

• Small bowel stenosis after abdominal trauma is often irreversible and necessitates surgical intervention.
• Clinicians should consider small bowel stenosis in patients presenting with abdominal symptoms post-trauma.