Acute traumatic abdominal hernia: case reports

Traumatic abdominal hernia is a rare injury with most reports documenting only one or two such cases. We describe five cases that were recognized during a 22-year period at a single trauma center. Physical examination often revealed abdominal wall tenderness and ecchymosis, but confirmation of hernia required additional testing in four of five patients. Two patients sustained muscle avulsion from the iliac crest which was likely a result of obesity and high riding seatbelts. In three of the patients a computed tomographic scan of the abdomen was instrumental in making the diagnosis. Surgical repair of the hernia was accomplished in three patients. The other two patients were managed nonsurgically. This report documents that an individualized approach to these patients is appropriate. Diagnosis may be difficult and immediate surgery does not prevent late sequelae. Management guidelines based upon a review of the English language literature on traumatic abdominal wall hernias are presented.