Isolated Cecal Rupture after Blunt Abdominal Trauma

Abstract

Cecal perforation following blunt abdominal trauma is an uncommon and challenging injury. We report a 19-year-old HIV-positive woman who presented with abdominal pain after a high-speed motor vehicle crash. Abdominal exam revealed a seatbelt sign with evidence of peritonitis; Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma showed free intraperitoneal fluid. After fluid resuscitation and antibiotics, the patient was taken for urgent laparotomy. Intraoperatively, we discovered hemoperitoneum and an isolated rupture of the cecum. A right hemicolectomy with end-to-end ileo-transverse colon anastomosis was performed. Her only significant postoperative complication was a superficial wound infection. We review the epidemiology of hollow viscus injury in blunt trauma and discuss important considerations in diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords

• blunt abdominal trauma
• cecal rupture
• hiv positive
• hollow viscus