Managing severe traumatic abdominal-wall injuries, a monocentric experience

Abdominal wall injuries (AWI) is a clinical and radiological diagnosis of fasciomuscular and at times cutaneous defects after abdominal trauma. Their severity encompasses a spectrum of parietal defects, with the most severe being a burst abdomen with eviscerated organs. With the wide use of CT scans in trauma settings, their incidence is being more recognized. Especially in severe AWI, where associated intrabdominal lesions are highly prevalent, many questions about parietal reconstruction arise concerning the timing and type of surgery, and their final hernia recurrence rate.

A list of severe AWI injuries have been retrieved, all of which were treated in our center. Type of trauma, clinical presentation, surgical technique and follow-up have been included.

Eight cases were found with severe abdominal injuries, with an age range of 11-85 years. Road traffic accidents, crush injuries, fall from height, stab and gunshot wounds are included. Seven out of the 8 cases had associated intrabdominal traumatic lesions. Mesh augmentation due to tissue loss was used in three cases. Recurrence rate was estimated around 25%.

Prompt surgical exploration is required as associated intrabdominal traumatic lesions are highly associated with severe AWI. Even when intrabdominal lesions are ruled out, fasciomuscular defects should be managed during the same hospitalization, to prevent intestinal strangulation and occlusion. Mesh augmentation should only be used when parietal defects include extensive tissue loss preventing tension-free parietal reconstruction.