Radiation-free elective management of traumatic abdominal wall hernia in a pediatric patient: a case report

Pediatric traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWHs) are rare injuries that result from both low- and high-energy trauma. TAWHs have a wide presentation, ranging from isolated hernias to cases involving severe associated intraabdominal injury. With a limited number of case reports, correct management and prediction of outcome are difficult. This case report describes a 5-year-and-9-month-old girl who developed a TAWH following a 2-m fall onto a stick. Computed tomography of the abdomen was avoided due to the low-energy mechanism, absence of pain, and lack of physical findings beyond a minor abrasion. Serial sonographic evaluation confirmed bowel herniation without evidence of associated intraabdominal injury. After an observational period of 24 hours without complications, the patient was discharged. Ten days later, an uncomplicated elective open herniotomy was performed. Two-month follow-up revealed no additional contacts to the hospital.