Penetrating trauma in Auckland: 12 years on

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Describes the current spectrum of penetrating trauma cases at Auckland Hospital.
• Compares the 1995 penetrating trauma presentation to data from 1983.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if the spectrum of penetrating trauma presenting to Auckland Hospital has changed since 1983.
• To compare incidence, severity, and outcomes of penetrating trauma between 1983 and 1995 cohorts.

Main Methods:

• Utilized prospectively collected trauma registry data from 1995.
• Compared 1995 data with a previous study's data from 1983.
• Analyzed patient demographics, injury severity, length of stay, and mortality.

Main Results:

• In 1995, 96 patients (7.3% of trauma admissions) presented with penetrating trauma.
• Median age was 30 years, median Injury Severity Score was 4.
• No significant change in patient numbers or length of stay compared to 1983; fewer patients admitted to ICU in 1995.
• Mortality for the 'trauma team' group was 4/32 in 1995 vs. 7/33 in 1983.

Conclusions:

• The frequency of penetrating trauma at Auckland Hospital remained consistent between 1983 and 1995.
• A non-significant decrease in length of stay and mortality was observed in the 1995 cohort.
• Findings contrast with public perception regarding penetrating trauma trends.