Intact peritoneum in a child with ileal perforation from a firearm injury

Abstract

Introduction Indirect intra-abdominal injury with an intact peritoneum following close passage of highly energized projectiles is an uncommon but clearly described phenomenon; likewise delayed gastrointestinal perforation hours or days after passage of a high-energy stress wave from primary blast injury is uncommon. Awareness of these two rare occurrences is required to ensure delayed perforations are diagnosed and managed in a timely manner. Case report An 8-year-old male child sustained a shotgun injury to the right elbow and the abdominal wall only of the right hypochondrium. Due to a non-salvageable joint injury, he underwent amputation of the right upper limb above the elbow, but on the third day of admission, he developed peritonitis and an X-ray revealed pneumoperitoneum. On abdominal exploration, two small ileal perforations were found without penetration of the peritoneum or diaphragm. The ileal injuries were primarily repaired and the postoperative course was uneventful. Conclusion Indirect injury to abdominal viscera from the primary blast effect of close passage of high-energy projectiles resulting is rare and can have significant consequences if not diagnosed and managed early.