Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2025
Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Isolated mesocolon injury and sigmoid colon necrosis secondary to abdominal blunt trauma
Imen Ben Ismail1, Mohamed Karim Tounsi1, Marwen Sghaier1
1Department of General Surgery, Trauma and Burns Center, University of Tunis El Manar, Ben Arous, Tunisia.
Introduction:
Blunt abdominal trauma from road traffic crashes can lead to a range of injuries, including those to the mesocolon. While solid organ injuries are common, mesocolon injuries resulting in bowel necrosis are rare but potentially life-threatening. This case report describes a 47-year-old male involved in a high-impact road traffic crash, who developed mesocolon injury with subsequent bowel necrosis.
Case Presentation:
A 47-year-old male, a drunk driver, was admitted following a high-impact road traffic crash. Initial examination revealed hemodynamic instability and significant abdominal tenderness. A contrast-enhanced CT scan showed hemoperitoneum and signs of mesenteric injury. Surgery revealed generalized hemoperitoneum with blood clots and a ruptured sigmoid mesocolon, resulting in necrosis of approximately 20 cm of bowel. The patient underwent Hartmann's procedure, and his postoperative recovery was uneventful.
Discussion:
Mesocolon injuries are rare, accounting for 1-5 % of blunt abdominal trauma cases. Symptoms often overlap with other abdominal pathologies, complicating diagnosis. Imaging, especially CT, is crucial in identifying the extent of injury. Surgical intervention is required for cases involving bowel necrosis, with Hartmann's procedure being the treatment of choice. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical management are critical for favorable outcomes.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the importance of considering mesocolon injuries in trauma patients, especially in the context of abdominal tenderness and hemodynamic instability. Timely imaging and surgical intervention are essential for managing these rare but serious injuries.
Insights
Blunt abdominal trauma can cause rare but life-threatening mesocolon injuries leading to bowel necrosis. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention, like the Hartmann
Area of Science:
- Trauma surgery
- Abdominal trauma management
- Surgical case reports
Background:
- Blunt abdominal trauma from road traffic crashes can cause various injuries.
- Mesocolon injuries are rare (1-5%) but can lead to life-threatening bowel necrosis.
- Diagnosis is often complicated by overlapping symptoms with other abdominal pathologies.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old male sustained a high-impact road traffic crash injury.
- Initial assessment revealed hemodynamic instability and abdominal tenderness.
- CT scan indicated hemoperitoneum and mesenteric injury; surgery confirmed a ruptured sigmoid mesocolon with 20 cm of bowel necrosis.
Findings:
- The patient underwent a Hartmann's procedure for the mesocolic injury and bowel necrosis.
- Postoperative recovery was uneventful, highlighting successful surgical management.
- Mesocolon injuries require early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention for optimal outcomes.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering mesocolon injury in trauma patients with abdominal tenderness and instability.
- Timely diagnostic imaging (CT) and surgical management are crucial for rare but severe mesocolic injuries.
- Effective treatment of mesocolon injuries with bowel necrosis can lead to favorable patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:22Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
01:28Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD: