Multiple gastric ruptures caused by blunt abdominal trauma: report of a case

Abstract

We report a rare case of four separate gastric ruptures resulting from blunt abdominal trauma that were successfully repaired by primary closure. A 22-year-old man injured in a motorcycle accident was admitted to our hospital where physical and radiological examinations confirmed the need for abdominal exploration. Laparotomy revealed four full-thickness lacerations in the anterior wall of the stomach. The lacerations were repaired primarily by a two-layer closure. The patient recovered gradually, and was discharged on hospital day 41, since when he has remained well. Although there has been no previous report of as many gastric lacerations following blunt abdominal trauma, surgeons should be aware of the possibility of multiple ruptures, which can be managed by simple closures.