Duodenal injury: A challenging diagnostic enigma for clinicians

Abstract

The objective of the article is to familiarize clinicians with duodenal injury and to recognize timely intervention to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with such injury. Although uncommon, duodenal injury challenges a clinician’s ability to diagnose and treat it in a timely fashion to prevent any associated mortality. The retroperitoneal anatomy makes duodenal injury difficult to diagnose. However, a high degree of suspicion based on the mechanism of injury and appropriate, timely diagnostic study leads to the correct identification of injury to the duodenum. The specific treatment depends on the type of injury that is detected. In conclusion, early recognition, and timely intervention of duodenal injury leads to a successful outcome.