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Penetrating abdominal injuries in adults seen at two teaching hospitals in ghana

M Ohene-Yeboah1, J C B Dakubo, F Boakye

  • 1Department of Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University Post Office, PMB, Kumasi, Ghana and Department of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana.

Ghana Medical Journal
|February 18, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Penetrating abdominal injuries (PAI) are rising in West Africa, predominantly stab wounds in young men. While mandatory laparotomy is common, selective non-operative management for PAI is feasible, with a 4.4% mortality rate.

Area of Science:

  • Trauma Surgery
  • Surgical Outcomes
  • Public Health in West Africa

Background:

  • Increasing incidence of penetrating abdominal injuries (PAI) in West Africa.
  • PAI poses a significant public health challenge in the region.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiological patterns of PAI.
  • To evaluate the management strategies and outcomes of PAI.
  • To assess the feasibility of selective non-operative management for PAI in Ghana.

Main Methods:

  • A combined prospective and retrospective descriptive study.
  • Data collected from 411 adult patients over 11 years at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).
  • Analysis of patient demographics, injury types, surgical interventions, and mortality rates.

Main Results:

  • The majority of patients were young males (peak age 20-29 years), with stab wounds being the most common cause (61.1%).
  • Emergency laparotomy was performed in 80.5% of patients; small bowel, stomach, and colon were most frequently injured.
  • A significant proportion (29.0%) had no detected intra-abdominal injury upon laparotomy.

Conclusions:

  • Stab wounds are the primary cause of PAI in young Ghanaian males.
  • Mandatory laparotomy is the standard management, but selective non-operative approaches are viable.
  • The overall mortality rate for PAI was 4.4%.
Abstract

Keywords:
Abdominal InjuriesMandatory LaparotomyNon-operative managementPenetrating

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