Primary closure of gunshot wounds caused by high-velocity rifles

Sixty gunshot injuries in 48 patients were treated in Mobile Surgical Hospital (30-bed capacity) of the Mountain and Commando Brigade in Hakkari, Türkiye, between May 1990 and May 1991. The David Sisk method was used for the classification of the injuries. Eleven type 1 injuries were treated conservatively, 39 type 2 and 10 type 3 injuries were treated by extensive debridement with suction drainage and primary closure. No infection was seen in type 1 injuries. The infection rate was 2.56% in type 2 and 20% in type 3 injuries. The following results were obtained: type 1 injuries must be treated by conservative measures; type 2 injuries must be treated by primary closure following extensive debridement and suction drainage; type 3 injuries can be treated by extensive debridement with suction drainage and primary closure.