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Civilian abdominal gunshot wounds in Lagos
A A Adesanya1, I R Afolabi, J T da Rocha-Afodu
1Department of Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital and College of Medicine, Negeria.
Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
|September 15, 1998
Summary
Selective conservative management for abdominal gunshot wounds is feasible. This approach can be effective without costly investigations, improving patient outcomes in trauma care.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Abdominal gunshot wounds present a significant trauma challenge.
- Increasing prevalence of abdominal gunshot wounds necessitates evaluation of management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate injury patterns in abdominal gunshot wounds.
- To assess treatment outcomes and the role of selective conservative management.
- To analyze factors contributing to sepsis and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 78 patients with abdominal gunshot wounds.
- Categorization of management: local wound care, selective conservative management, and laparotomy.
- Analysis of injury patterns, interventions, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Small bowel, colon, liver, and stomach were commonly injured organs.
- High incidence of sepsis (63.2%) and mortality (22.8%) observed post-laparotomy.
- Selective conservative management was feasible for 18% of patients, with only two requiring delayed laparotomy.
Conclusions:
- Selective conservative management for abdominal gunshot wounds is a viable option.
- Effective management can be achieved without expensive investigations.
- Minimizing delay between injury and surgical intervention is crucial for reducing sepsis and mortality.