Truncal gunshot wounds in Finland, 1985 to 1989.
A nationwide survey of truncal gunshot wounds identified 119 patients managed in 34 institutions. The wounds resulted from low-velocity bullets in 69%, high-velocity bullets in 6%, and shotgun pellets in 25%. The thoracic or abdominal cavity was penetrated in 62%, and the mean Injury Severity Score was 16 (range, 1 to 57). The wounding capacity of close-range shotgun pellets equaled that of high-velocity bullets, whereas long-range (>10 meters) shotgun injuries resembled air rifle injuries in their poor ability to penetrate deeper structures and cause internal injuries. A thoracotomy or sternotomy was required in 31% of the penetrating thoracic injuries. Of 57 laparotomies, 9% were negative. In four cases (7% of all laparotomies), a significant abdominal organ injury was overlooked at the initial operation, emphasizing the importance of meticulous exploration of all abdominal organs, and especially the diaphragm and the retroperitoneal structures.
Leppäniemi
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A
Second Department of Surgery (A.L.), Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Cederberg
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A
Tikka
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S
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*