Intestinal Evisceration in Children From the Bite of the Domestic Pig, Sus scrofa domesticus: A Report of Two Cases

• Published in: Wilderness & environmental medicine Vol. 30; no. 4; pp. 454 - 460
• Main Authors: Mazingi, Dennis S., Mutambanengwe, Precious, Zimunhu, Taurai, Gwatirisa, Tungamirai, Mbuwayesango, Bothwell A., Munanzvi, Kudzayi, Muparadzi, Constantine, Moyo, Mugove, Mwanza, Yvette
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA Elsevier Inc 01.12.2019; SAGE Publications
• Subjects: abdominal evisceration; Abdominal Injuries - etiology; Abdominal Injuries - pathology; Abdominal Injuries - surgery; Adolescent; Aggression; Animals; Bites and Stings - pathology; Child; Humans; Landrace pig; Male; pediatric trauma; penetrating abdominal trauma; pig bite injuries; Swine; penetrating abdominal trauma; Landrace pig; pediatric trauma; abdominal evisceration; pig bite injuries
• ISSN: 1080-6032; 1545-1534
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2019.08.002

Pig bite injuries are an infrequently described consequence of human–animal conflict. The domestic pig is thought to be a placid animal not given to unprovoked aggression. We report 2 separate cases of children managed at our institution who sustained abdominal injuries after attack by domestic pigs in rural Zimbabwe. Both incidents occurred at home in remote rural areas with long prehospital transport times. Initial resuscitative interventions were performed in both cases in the prehospital setting and at poorly resourced peripheral hospitals before referral. Prophylactic antibiotics were also given in both cases. Laparotomy was performed for both patients. Reduction of eviscerated bowel, exploratory laparotomy, and peritoneal lavage were performed with closure of the abdominal wounds. No surgical site infections were encountered, and patients were subsequently discharged after an uneventful convalescence. Prehospital care is the crucial phase of management of these injuries, which frequently take place in remote, rural settings and usually have a long time to definitive intervention. Expeditious laparotomy and exploration are indicated, as well as meticulous attention to techniques to avert infectious complications. Despite the generally placid temperament of the domestic pig, their bite can result in grave injuries, including abdominal evisceration necessitating prompt referral and emergency laparotomy.