Acute abdomen due to retroperitoneal haematoma: a surgical dilemma

Abstract

A 73-year-old man presented with features of acute abdomen 2 days following evacuation of a subdural haematoma. CT scan demonstrated significant free fluid in the peritoneal cavity as well as an extensive abnormal area in the upper retroperitoneum. There was no obvious free gas or leak of contrast. As there was persistent metabolic acidosis and significant peritonism, the patient proceeded to an exploratory laparotomy. This revealed a large non-expanding retroperitoneal haematoma and free blood in the peritoneal cavity. There was no evidence of active bleeding and the bowel was found to be viable. As the patient was haemodynamically stable, a laparostomy was fashioned and the patient subsequently underwent angiography. This revealed a 1.5 cm pseudoaneurysm arising from the superior mesenteric artery which was treated with coil embolisation. The patient made an uneventful recovery and the laparostomy was closed.