Traumatic abdominal wall hernia--four cases and a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE To review blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWHs) in our institution. METHOD Retrospective review of blunt abdominal trauma cases over a 6-month period. RESULTS Four patients with TAWH were identified. The mean age was 36 years. Three had been involved in vehicular collisions, and 1 had been assaulted with a large stone. All were diagnosed on presentation, 3 by computed tomography scan and 1 clinically. Two were repaired as emergencies, and 1 was repaired after 4 months. The 4th patient refused surgery. CONCLUSION This uncommon injury requires a high index of suspicion and a low threshold for intervention. CT scan offers the best imaging potential.