Uncommon Handlebar Hernia in an Adult Treated With Laparoscopy and Open Anatomical Repair

Handlebar hernias, a form of traumatic abdominal wall hernia, are rare injuries resulting from blunt abdominal trauma in adults. Robust suspicion is essential for diagnosis given the subtle symptoms and intact skin. A 48-year-old male arrived with pain and swelling on the left side of his abdomen after a low-speed bicycle crash. Imaging examinations showed a complete abdominal wall defect with herniated omental fat and unbroken skin. A diagnostic laparoscopy was carried out to exclude intra-abdominal injuries, and an open surgical repair of the hernia defect was performed. The patient recovered satisfactorily after surgery and was sent home. Handlebar hernias are frequent in children and rare in adults, usually arising from bicycle accidents. The condition frequently experiences misdiagnosis because of subtle clinical signs. This case underscores the significance of clinical suspicion and imaging, especially computed tomography (CT) scans, in the diagnosis of traumatic hernias resulting from blunt force injuries. A strong suspicion is necessary for traumatic abdominal wall hernias in cases of blunt abdominal trauma that show abdominal wall swelling and hematoma as clinical indicators. Recognizing the condition promptly and administering timely surgical intervention are crucial for effectively managing handlebar hernias to prevent complications.