High-Voltage Electrocution Leading to Sealed Transection of Small Bowel

Abstract

Electrical injuries are among the most devastating of burn injuries. High voltage electrical injuries result in extensive deep tissue damage and are associated with multiple complications, long term morbidity, and a high mortality rate. We describe the case of a 16-year-old male cable operator who suffered high voltage electric injury of left upper limb and anterior abdominal wall. Despite the exit wound causing transection of the ileum, the patient did not have any contamination of the peritoneal cavity as both ends of the bowel were sealed off due to electro-thermal energy. His management included multiple operative procedures, including intestinal resection and anastomosis, debridement, abdominal wall flap-based reconstruction, fasciotomies, split skin grafting and left hand above elbow amputation.