Stab injury to the stomach

Dr A Rajasekar

A 49 year old male was admitted with a stab wound to the abdomen. On admission he was haemodynamically stable. He had a single stab wound in the left upper quadrant and signs of peritonitis. Ultrasound of the abdomen revealed haemoperitoneum and blood in the lesser sac.

Figure 1 Stab wound in the left upper quadrant

Emergency laparotomy showed the stab wound and peneterated the anterior and posterior walls of the stomach with blood mainly in the lesser sac. Peritoneal lavage and primary closure of the gastric defect was performed. The patient recovered without any complications.

Figure 2 Stab wound has pierced the peritoneum

Figure 3 The stab wound peneterated the posterior wall of the stomach

Figure 4 Blood in the lesser sac