Laparoscopic Repair of Small Bowel Perforation Following Bullock Cart Run-over Injury in a 12-Year-Old Boy: A Case Report
S. N. Jatal *
Jatal Hospital and Research Centre, Latur, India.
Sudhir Jatal
Jatal Hospital and Research Centre, Latur, Tata Hospital, Mumbai, India.
Shubhangi Jatal
Department of Gynaecologist, MGM Hospital, Mumbai, India.
Supriya Jatal
Department of Nephrology, MGM Hospital & College, Navi Mumbai, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Small bowel perforation due to blunt abdominal trauma is an uncommon but serious condition that can result in peritonitis and sepsis if not promptly treated. The most frequent causes include motor vehicle accidents, bicycle handlebar injuries, and, in rare instances—particularly in rural India—bullock cart run-over injuries.
Intestinal injuries are quite frequent after non-penetrating abdominal trauma. Small bowel and mesentery represent the most frequently involved structures in blunt abdominal trauma after liver and spleen. The frequency of small bowel lesions ranges from 5% to 15%. Small bowel mesenteric injuries are approximately found in 5% of patients after blunt abdominal trauma
Timely diagnosis and surgical intervention are critical in managing this condition. Delayed recognition can lead to severe complications and poor outcomes. Diagnostic tools such as chest radiographs (to detect free air), abdominal ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT) scans play a vital role in identifying intestinal perforations. Early surgical intervention significantly improves recovery rates, whereas diagnostic delays can result in prolonged treatment, increased morbidity, and even mortality.
We report a rare case of small bowel perforation in a 12-year-old boy caused by a bullock cart run-over injury, which was successfully managed through laparoscopic surgery.
Keywords: Blunt abdominal trauma, bullock card injury, small bowel perforation, laparoscopic management