Authors : Rosemary Theophilo Mdota; Isaac Erasto Mlay; Boaz Peter Mnenegwa; Iddy Omary Ramadhan; Alfred Mwakalebela Laison; Masumbuko Yatembela Mwashambwa

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/yzpedrse

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/52vzn3t4

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar907

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Abstract : Gastric perforation (GP) secondary to blunt abdominal trauma is relatively rare clinical entity with a low incidence reported in literature, yet potentially fatal in delayed diagnosis. Isolated GP is frequently associated with delayed presentation due to its anatomical location and imposed a diagnostic challenge. Hence, clinical diagnosis of GP needs high index of clinical suspicion and may need additional imaging to support the clinical diagnosis. In contrast, delay in diagnosis and intervention may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of its kind to be diagnosed in our setting. We report here a case of delayed GP detected in a 34-year-old male patient 7-days following blunt abdominal trauma. A primary repair of the perforated stomach with an omental patch was performed. On the 3 rd postoperative day, leakage of gastric content was noted through the drain and the laparotomy wound. Re-laparotomy and partial gastrectomy with gastrojejunostomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction were performed and postoperatively, the patient was shifted to ICU. However, on the 5th postoperative day, the patient developed wound dehiscence and leakage of fecal matter through the wound, and despite best efforts, the patient passed away on the 7th post-operative day. We recognized that isolated delayed gastric perforation needs a high index of clinical suspicion and prompt management as traumatic hollow visceral injuries, when missed, are a major cause of morbidity and mortality as found in our patient.

Keywords : Gastric Perforations, Blunt Abdominal Trauma, Tanzania.

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