A Case of Delayed Cecal Perforation After Abdominal (Seat Belt) Injury

Abstract

Seatbelts have reduced the number of fatal head, facial, and chest injuries. They have, however, introduced a set of injuries comprising abdominal wall bruising, Intra-abdominal injuries, and lumbar spine fractures collectively termed the seat belt syndrome. Surgical repair is the treatment for encountered bowel injuries. We present a case of delayed bowel perforation following presentation with signs of seat belt trauma identifying a decisional dilemma in the surgical management of serosal tears with no apparent signs of perforation.

Seat belt syndrome with caecal perforation and Chance fracture in an adolescent

“…More than 60% of cases are associated with abdominal injuries such as abdominal wall contusions, bowel perforation and liver laceration 1. However, seat belt syndrome with caecal perforation has been described only once in children 6…”