Colonic obstruction secondary to trauma induced intramural haematoma: a rare case report

We report an unusual case of complete bowel obstruction as a result of an intramural haematoma (IMH) in the ascending colon, resulting from blunt abdominal trauma. The patient presented with acute abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, preceded by four days of constipation, obstipation and worsening abdominal distention. Symptoms were preceded by a history of sustaining a kick to the abdomen during an altercation. Explorative laparotomy was performed, revealing an obstructing ascending colon mass, where a right hemicolectomy and primary anastomosis was performed. Histology confirmed the mass to be an IMH.