Rectus sheath haematoma requiring laparotomy

Authors: Ma, Wai-Kit; Fung, Terence Ming-Kit; Lam, Yuk-Hoi; Lau, James Yun-Wong

Source: Surgical Practice, Volume 10, Number 1, February 2006 , pp. 45-46(2)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $48.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Rectus sheath haematoma is a well-documented but unusual cause of acute abdomen. Combination of clinical features and appropriate radiological investigations can make for a prompt diagnosis. Most authors advocate conservative management and it has been reported that patients were directly discharged from the emergency department. We report a case of rectus sheath haematoma which progressed with clinical deterioration and necessitated surgical intervention for clot evacuation. Causes, physical signs, radiological features and classification of rectus sheath haematoma are discussed. It may be necessary to continue close clinical monitoring after diagnosis of rectus sheath haematoma.

Keywords: acute abdomen; haematoma; laparotomy; rectus sheath

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-1633.2006.00287.x

Affiliations: 1: Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR.

Publication date: 2006-02-01