Penetrating pancreatic injury treated with surgery and endoscopic pancreatic stenting: A case report

Background: Traumatic pancreatic injury is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We present a rare case of penetrating pancreatic injury caused by a knife. Case presentation: A 57-year-old man who stabbed himself in the abdomen during a suicide attempt presented to our hospital. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed free air in the abdomen, and penetrating pancreatic injury was suspected. Emergency laparotomy was performed. Perforation of the stomach and penetrating injury to the pancreas were observed. The gastric perforation was repaired. Due to the fact that no obvious bleeding or leakage of pancreatic juice was observed, pancreatic repair was not performed. The endoscopic retrograde pancreatography after the operation revealed no obvious injury to the main pancreatic duct. To prevent pancreatic fistula, a stent was placed in the main pancreatic duct, after which the fistula improved. Conclusion: We present a rare case of penetrating pancreatic injury, which was treated by surgery and endoscopic pancreatic stenting.