TOTAL FUNCTIONAL LOSS OF THE ABDOMINAL WALL IN A CASE WITH INCISIONAL HERNIA / CASE REPORT

Gunay Y, Kirangil B, Sari H, Asirdizer M.

2nd Congress of Forensic Science, Uludag University Medical School, Bursa-1996, Summary Book of Congress.

ABSTRACT

Abdominal hernias occur congenitally or are acquired via herniation of intraabdominal organs from a natural or traumatic defect on the abdominal wall. Whereas, incisional hernias which have been emphasized as a problem various papers, some times occur after surgical interventions.

In a case evaluated by us, a 25years-old male patient underwent a operation because a bullet injury and four further surgical intervention because of subsequent complications. In the examination of the patient by the 3 rd Specimen Board of Forensic Medicine Council on request of the local court, an incisional hernia was detected was 33 cm in length and 10 cm in width on the umbilical line, extending from the xyphoid process down to the suprapubic area. After examination of the patient, the board came to the conclusion that the herniation constituted a total functional loss of the abdominal wall.

The case is considered peculiar with regard to its etiology and medico-legal assessment.

Key words: Abdominal hernias, incisional hernias, functional loss.