Pancreatic Transection in a 6-year Child Following Bicycle Handlebar Injury.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Bicycle handlebar injuries are the most frequent cause of pancreatic trauma in pediatric patients, particularly males.
• Delayed diagnosis can occur due to the absence of external abdominal wall bruising, complicating timely treatment initiation.

Observation:

• A 6-year-old boy presented with severe pancreatic trauma five days after a bicycle handlebar injury.
• Initial assessment at a local hospital did not lead to prompt diagnosis.

Findings:

• Contrast-enhanced computed tomography confirmed a grade III pancreatic injury.
• Surgical repair was performed the day after referral, resulting in a positive outcome.

Implications:

• This case underscores the diagnostic challenges for non-specialist clinicians in resource-limited settings managing pancreatic trauma.
• Highlights the importance of considering internal injuries like pancreatic trauma in pediatric blunt trauma, even without superficial signs.