Laparoscopic-assisted management of traumatic abdominal wall hernias in children: Case series and a review of the literature

Background Traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is defined as herniation through a disrupted portion of musculature/fascia without skin penetration or history of prior hernia. In children, TAWH is a rare injury. Objective The objectives of this study were to report our experience with different management strategies of TAWH in children and to determine the utility of laparoscopy. Design/method A retrospective chart review of all children treated by pediatric surgery at our institution for TAWH in a 5 year interval was performed. Data were collected on mechanism of injury, initial patient presentation, surgical management, and outcomes. Results We present 5 cases of traumatic abdominal wall hernia; 3 were managed using laparoscopic assistance. One patient was managed nonoperatively. All patients recovered without complications and were asymptomatic on follow up. Conclusion Traumatic abdominal wall hernias require a high index of suspicion in the cases of blunt abdominal trauma. Laparoscopy is useful mainly as a diagnostic modality, both to evaluate the hernia and associated injuries to intraabdominal structures. Its use may facilitate repair through a smaller incision. Conservative management of TAWH may be appropriate in select cases where there is a low risk of bowel strangulation.