Camel-related pancreatico-duodenal injuries: A report of three cases and review of literature

FM Abu-Zidan, AF Hefny, H Mousa, FC Torab, I Hassan

Abstract

Background: Human pancreatico-duodenal injuries caused by camels are extremely rare.

Objective: We report three patients who sustained camel-related pancreatico-duodenal injuries and review the literature on this topic.

Results: A 32-year camel caregiver was kicked by a camel which then stepped on his abdomen trying to kill him. The patient’s abdomen was soft and lax. CT scan of the abdomen showed free retroperitoneal air. Laparotomy revealed a complete tear of the anterior wall of the second part of duodenum which was primarily repaired. A 40-year camel caregiver was directly kicked into his abdomen by a camel. He developed traumatic pancreatitis which was treated conservatively. A 31-year-old male fell down on his abdomen while riding a camel. Abdominal examination revealed tenderness and guarding. Abdominal CT Scan showed complete transection of the neck of the pancreas which was confirmed by laparotomy. The patient had distal pancreatectomy with preservation of the spleen. All patients were discharged home in good condition.

Conclusion: These cases demonstrate the misleading presentation of the camel-realted pancreatico-duodenal injuries and their unique mechanism of injury.

Key words: Duodenum, pancreas, pancreatitis, injury, trauma, camel