A delayed presentation of a traumatic isolated duodenal injury

Blunt injury to the abdomen resulting in isolated duodenal injury is rare in surgical practice. Due to the insidious onset of symptoms and the vague non-specific nature of the clinical presentation, these injuries can be easily missed even in experienced hands. Contrary to Europe or developed countries, assaults to the abdomen using hands, fists, and feet in home-based violence is common in third-world countries. These patients have the habit of hiding the assault part of the history to avoid litigations to ‘known’ people. A high level of suspicion, a continuous revisiting of the history, and timely damage control surgery can improve the outcomes of such patients.