Laparoscopic treatment for colonic injuries following penetrating trauma: A feasible option in a surgical department of Sub-Saharan Africa

IntroductionThe management of abdominal penetrating trauma remains complex. Between the risk of negative laparotomy and missed visceral injury, laparoscopy is a good alternative. We report 2 cases of abdominal penetrating trauma with colonic injury diagnosed and treated with laparoscopic approach. ObservationsThe first patient was 15 years old, with no medical history and received at 3 h of a penetrating trauma by stabbing. Hemodynamic status was normal. An exploratory laparoscopy was performed. It objectified a penetration of the peritoneum on the left flank with an injury of the anti-mesenteric edge of the descending colon that was sutured. The second patient was 20 years old, with no history, who had a penetrating trauma of the left iliac fossa by stabbing. Arterial pressure was normal. He was received 6 h after the trauma. An exploratory laparoscopy objectified an injury of 2 cm located at the sigmoid colon which was sutured with a good evolution. ConclusionLaparoscopy in abdominal wounds is a good option in selected patients. It has a diagnostic and therapeutic importance in colonic injuries. The limits are represented by the possibility of unrecognized visceral lesions that can lead to additional morbidity.