The seat belt syndrome. The seat belt sign, intestinal and mesenteric injuries

Isolated injury to the intestine from blunt abdominal injury

Isolated injury to the intestine due to blunt abdominal trauma is an uncommon event. Since the haemodynamic disturbance which accompanies injury of the liver or spleen is absent the initial symptoms and signs may be very slight, or obscured by injuries of the abdominal wall, musculoskeletal or nervous systems. We present four cases which illustrate pitfalls in management. A high index of suspicion is essential if morbidity and mortality are to be reduced to a minimum. Abdominal radiography and peritoneal lavage are useful aids when diagnosis is in doubt.

Duodenal transection and vertebral injury occurring in combination in a patient wearing a seat belt

A case is described of complete transection of the first part of the duodenum combined with a vertebral injury in a patient wearing a lap-diagonal seat belt when involved in a head-on collision. A review of the literature is presented, the mechanism of injury discussed and attention drawn to the delay in diagnosis.

Management of acute civilian vascular injuries

Vascular trauma continues to be an exciting and formidable challenge to surgeons. Increasing numbers of survivors of major vascular trauma such as suprarenal aortic and caval injuries are being reported in the literature. Successful repair of venous injuries rather than ligation is being achieved in significant numbers of cases. Combined team approaches utilizing new techniques of microvascular surgery and orthopedic fixation have dramatically improved the results of revascularization in extremity injuries and subsequent restoration of limb function.

Isolated mesenteric injury due to blunt abdominal trauma

Isolated injuries of the small bowel mesentery or mesocolon with subsequent bowel infarction due to blunt abdominal trauma are rare. Two cases are described: 1 involving the mesentery to the terminal ileum and 1 involving the transverse mesocolon and middle colic artery, both with bowel infarction. The modes of clinical presentation and management of patients with injuries to the mesentery, mesocolon and mesenteric vessels following blunt trauma are described.