Penetrating diaphragmatic injury caused by a pencil

Abstract

Penetrating injuries caused by a pencil are not commonly reported, although they can lead to serious complications and sequelae. This report describes the case of a 6-year-old girl who accidentally sustained a penetrating injury to the left flank due to a pencil. The intra-abdominal, retroperitoneal and thoracic organs were spared but the diaphragm was penetrated. Surgical exploration and repair of the diaphragm were performed under general anesthesia and the patient could be discharged a few hours later.

Keywords

• Accident
• diaphragm
• pencil
• penetrating injury to diaphragm