A Case of Hepatic Injury Following Shrapnel Injury to the Abdomen in a Paediatric Patient

In children, trauma is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Trauma can be a catalyst resulting in intra-abdominal solid organ injury in this population. The case report highlights a prepubescent male who presented with a penetrating abdominal wound resulting in hepatic injury. The mechanism of injury in this case is unusual and differs from previously reported causes of penetrating abdominal trauma in children. The case demonstrates that penetrating abdominal injuries may be more likely to require surgical intervention secondary to their association with a high percentage of multiple organ injuries. Penetrating injuries in children require a high degree of vigilance to rule out visceral injury.