Omental herniation following penetrating abdominal injury

History:
35 year old, penetrating abdominal injury

CT:


Findings:
The site of penetrating wound is seen. There is a small pneumoperitoneum. No abdominal organ is injured.

Follow-up:
Managed conservatively in view of no injury to abdominal organs. He presented a month later with persistant pain abdomen

Ultrasound:

Findings:
The panoramic view shows the site of penetrating injury. In addition, there is omental herniation into the abdominal musculature.

Discussion:
Complications of penetrating abdominal injury without associated abdominal visceral injury include wound infection, wound dehiscence, herniation, necrotizing fasciitis and intrabdominal infection. The incidence of omental herniation after penetrating trauma is not documented in the literature, may be because it is not a seriour complication. Interestingly, omentum may be placed to close the penetrating wound, especially in thin individuals and the radiologists should be aware of this while reporting. Abdominal wall herniation are documented even after blunt injuries.