[Anesthetic management of abdominal gunshot wound--a report of three cases]

This is a case report of anesthetic management of abdominal gunshot wound. Two patients had upper abdominal wound involving the liver and the inferior vena cava. They died of uncontrolled bleeding. Third patient had lower abdominal injury involving the ascending colon and small intestine. The patient survived the injury and showed good recovery. In a case of the abdominal gunshot injury, prompt diagnosis and laparotomy are mandatory. Multiple intravenous routes are necessary in the upper part of the body for massive infusion and transfusion. Unusual hemostasis methods such as atrio-caval shunt or abdominal clamping of the aorta must be considered in case of injury in the inferior vena cava.