Delayed presentation of colonic perforation after abdominal impalement trauma by sewing needle: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Post-traumatic, delayed colonic perforation is a rare but life-threatening cause of acute abdomen. Delayed presentation of colonic perforation is extremely rare, being observed only in patients after blunt abdominal trauma. We encountered an unusual case of delayed colonic perforation in a patient after abdominal impalement trauma. A 45-year-old man sustained abdominal impalement trauma by sewing needle 12 months ago, without getting timely management, and had a delayed perforation of sigmoid colon later. This case reminds surgeons not to overlook the delayed colonic perforation after abdominal impalement trauma.