Penetrating abdominal injury: toward more conservative management

ABSTRACT

Over a period of five years, 139 patients were admitted to general surgical wards at the Riyadh Central Hospital because of penetrating wounds to the abdomen. Of these, 56% of the patients sustained stab wounds and the remaining 44% were victims of gunshot or compressed air gun injuries. All patients were admitted initially for clinical evaluation and observation with the aid of a few diagnostic laboratory and radiology tests. Exploratory laparotomy was performed in 82% of the patients. The rate of negative findings at laparotomy was unacceptably high at 25%. Mortality and morbidity occurred only in the patients who underwent laparotomy. Of analysis of the data support adoption of a more conservative approach in the treatment of such patients, provided they are evaluated carefully and observed by experienced staff