Management of traumatic duodenal rupture in children-case series

Background: Traumatic duodenal rupture is rare which accounts for only 2-10% of all Blunt abdominal trauma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the experience of diagnosis and treatment of traumatic duodenal rupture in children.

Methods: This was a retrospective case series study. Clinical data were collected from three children suffering from a traumatic duodenal rupture who received surgical treatment in our hospital from January 2013 to January 2023. Demographic characteristics, trauma mechanism, physical examination, auxiliary examination, operation timing and plan, postoperative management and follow-up of included patients were described. Summarize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of this type of injury.

Results: Three children (1 male and 2 females) with duodenal rupture due to traumatic abdominal injury were included in the study, with average age of 8.2 years (range 2.75-13.25 years). Among them, One child was injured by heavy objects. The other two children had lumbar fracture and seat belt sign. All three patients underwent emergency operation within 24 h, and recovered well after surgery. No related complications seen during follow-up.

Conclusions: Duodenal rupture is a rare but fatal disease. Early identification and active abdominal exploration can reduce the incidence of related complications and mortality in children with blunt abdominal injury, especially those with seat belt sign. Simultaneously, the standardized postoperative management is significant for the cure of children.