Spearfishing accident leading to pancreatic trauma: an unusual transfixing abdominal injury

Abstract

Introduction: Pancreatic injuries are rare and often difficult to diagnose, especially when caused by unusual penetrating mechanisms. Spear gun trauma is exceptionally uncommon, with very few cases reported. Case presentation: A 20-year-old man sustained an accidental spear gun injury to the left iliac fossa during spearfishing. He was hemodynamically stable on admission. The spear trajectory extended toward the upper abdomen. Intraoperative exploration revealed a partial laceration of the pancreatic tail without splenic injury. A distal pancreatectomy with splenic preservation was performed. Recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 6. Discussion: Penetrating pancreatic trauma from spear guns is extremely rare. Diagnosis may be challenging when clinical signs are subtle or imaging is unavailable. Prompt surgical exploration remains crucial to prevent complications. Conclusion: This case illustrates an unusual mechanism of isolated pancreatic injury and emphasizes the importance of early surgical management in left-sided penetrating abdominal trauma.