Traumatic flank hernias: acute and chronic management

Abstract Background Traumatic flank hernias are increasingly recognized as occurring after severe blunt injury. To clarify the role and timing of operative therapy, we review here our recent experience. Methods A prospectively maintained database at Oklahoma’s only level I trauma center was reviewed to identify all patients presenting with traumatic flank hernias. Results During the period from July 2001 through February 2007, 25 patients (.2% of all blunt trauma patients) had traumatic flank hernias. The average age was 36.4 years (range 13 to 66), and all cases but 1 were related to motor vehicle crashes. All patients had at least 1 associated injury. Repairs were done by standardized approach. Eleven patients underwent immediate surgery; 8 underwent delayed repair; and 3 underwent late repair (range 4.5 to 10 years after injury). The other 3 patients were managed expectantly. There was 1 mortality and 3 recurrences. Length of stay for acute trauma ranged from 5 to 49 days and was dependent on the severity of associated injuries. Follow-up of 21 patients ranged from 7 to 710 days. Conclusions Traumatic flank hernias are rare but more common than previously recognized. Prompt recognition, proper timing, and technique are key to successful outcomes.