Gastrointestinal obstruction due to plaster ingestion: a case-report

Abstract Background Plaster ingestion forming gastric bezoar is a strange way to attempt suicide and this method has not yet been reported. It may lead to a mechanical obstruction of the gut, especially the pyloric region, and could manifest with abdominal pain, epigastric distress, nausea, vomiting, and fullness. Case presentation Herein we report a case of a 37 year-old woman presenting with plaster ingestion and gastric outlet obstruction, who underwent surgery. At six months follow-up the patient was fully recovered. Conclusion Plaster has no toxic or erosive effects. Endoscopic or surgical removing of such material is recommended. Moreover, psychiatric intervention and management is imperative to prevent recurrence in such cases.</p

Handlebar Hernia: A Rare Type of Abdominal Wall Hernia

&quot;nTraumatic abdominal wall hernias are a type of acquired hernia secondary to blunt trauma Caused, by direct trauma from handlebar like objects. This rare hernia is named &amp;lsquo;Handlebar hernia&apos;. We report a case of such hernia without any significant intra-abdominal injury. The abdominal wall defect was repaired in layers by Jones technique. Postoperative course was uneventful. The authors recommend clinical suspicion for traumatic hernia in all patients with traumatic abdominal wall injury. Definitive treatment includes surgical exploration with primary repair of all tissue layers of the abdominal wall

Surgical approach to hydrocarbon injection in upper extremities: Case series

AbstractBackgroundHydrocarbon injection, which mostly occurs in the upper extremity, is commonly seen in domestic and industrial accidents, or attempted suicide. Surgical approach to chemical cellulites and other complications in these patients is controversial.MethodThis survey has been carried out on 21 patients admitted to general surgery unit of Loqman Hakim hospital, Tehran, Iran with the complaint of hydrocarbon injection in 2001–2005.ResultsThe most common injected material was petroleum (in 8 patients). Anterior forearm was the most common injection site (in 16 patients). All of the patients had inflammation, swelling, and localized tenderness. Leukocytosis was present in 18 of 21 patients. Compartment syndrome happened in 13 patients; 5 with necrotizing fasciitis. All of the patients with compartment syndrome underwent fasciotomy and debridement. Split thickness skin graft was done for 10 patients after 2 weeks of admission. There was no mortality or limb loss during the study period.ConclusionsPrevention of the systemic complications, hospitalization, close monitoring and treatment of chemical cellulites are the main parts of the management of patients with hydrocarbon injection. Surgical intervention is recommended when compartment syndrome or other local complications occur