A Rare Case of Small Bowel Injury From an Industrial High-Pressure Water Jet

TL;DR

A rare case of small bowel injury caused by an industrial high-pressure water jet is reported, emphasizing the need for early detection and proper management.

Contribution

This case report introduces a rare injury mechanism that challenges traditional trauma classifications.

Findings

High-pressure water jet injuries can cause severe intra-abdominal trauma.

Early surgical intervention was crucial in identifying and treating the injury.

Abstract

Industrial high-pressure fluid injection injuries are rare causes of abdominal trauma. The spectrum of injury ranges from superficial skin abrasions to severe intra-abdominal injuries, including hollow viscus perforation and solid organ damage, which may be life-threatening if not promptly recognised and managed. Furthermore, this mechanism of injury does not clearly conform to traditional classifications of either penetrating or blunt abdominal trauma; rather, it represents a hybrid mechanism often known as a hydroblast injury. This poses challenges for clinicians in applying established management algorithms. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion and performing serial abdominal examinations, which facilitated early surgical intervention and led to the identification of a small bowel injury caused by an industrial high-pressure water jet.

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