A Case of Delayed Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia that Occurred 17 Years after a Traffic Accident

Abstract

We report a rare case of traumatic abdominal wall hernia. The case was a 72-year-old female. 17 years ago she underwent conservative treatment for a fracture of the pelvis following the traffic accident. Physical examination was hindered by obesity, but the abdominal wall was tender in the right lower quadrant. Abdominal CT and barium enema revealed that the ascending colon was apparent in the hernia. She was diagnosed as having a lumber hernia, and operated on. Interaoperative findings failed to reveal any evidence of a lumbar hernia, but found instead a 4-cm disruption of the external oblique muscle. The defect in the abdominal wall was repaired in layers. She was diagnosed as having delayed traumatic abdominal wall hernia that occurred 17 years after the traffic accident. This diagnosis is usually made at the time of injury, and repair is undertaken at that time. Our delayed traumatic abdominal wall hernia was rare. The diagnosis had been on the basis of careful history and clinical examination. A computed tomographic scan and barium enema were particularly useful for diagnosis of our case.