Civilian low velocity gunshot wounds of the liver.
OBJECTIVE
To report our experience in the management of hepatic gunshot wounds.


METHODS
Retrospective study of medical records.


METHODS
University department of surgery, Finland.


METHODS
38 patients admitted with hepatic gunshot wounds confirmed at operation.


METHODS
Laparotomy in all cases.


METHODS
Morbidity and mortality.


RESULTS
Of the 35 low velocity bullet wounds of the liver, 23 (66%) were severe, but 34 (97%) could be managed with simple operative techniques. Two of the three shotgun injuries were at point-blank range, and one required lobectomy. Four patients (11%) died, and in all cases haemorrhage from associated cardiovascular injuries was a major contributing factor. Postoperative morbidity after bullet wounds was 57%, including two local hepatic complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Simple operative repairs are sufficient and safe in most patients with low velocity bullet wounds of the liver. Associated injuries are the main cause of postoperative mortality and morbidity. Point-blank shotgun injuries involving the liver are not necessarily fatal.
Leppäniemi
A K
AK
Second Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Salo
J A
JA
Haapiainen
R K
RK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*