INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to report the incidence of landmine injuries during peacetime in a European country. METHODS: Forty victims of landmine explosions were admitted to Didimoticho General Hospital in Greece, from December 1988 to March 2003. A total of 19 people survived (47.5%) these events; all of the others were dead upon admission to the hospital. All of the victims were men, either suspected smugglers or migrants entering the country illegally, with an average of 30 years (range: 15-56 years). RESULTS: Most victims presented in groups, with multiple traumatic injuries, including lower extremity wounds. The mortality rate in the minefield prior to hospital admission was 52.5%, and the amputation rate for the survivors was 37%. There were no deaths of the patients admitted to the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Landmines cause high-energy injuries with high mortality and amputation rates. Illegal migrants are the main victims of landmine explosions in Greece.
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to report the incidence of landmine injuries during peacetime in a European country. METHODS: Forty victims of landmine explosions were admitted to Didimoticho General Hospital in Greece, from December 1988 to March 2003. A total of 19 people survived (47.5%) these events; all of the others were dead upon admission to the hospital. All of the victims were men, either suspected smugglers or migrants entering the country illegally, with an average of 30 years (range: 15-56 years). RESULTS: Most victims presented in groups, with multiple traumatic injuries, including lower extremity wounds. The mortality rate in the minefield prior to hospital admission was 52.5%, and the amputation rate for the survivors was 37%. There were no deaths of the patients admitted to the hospital. CONCLUSIONS:Landmines cause high-energy injuries with high mortality and amputation rates. Illegal migrants are the main victims of landmine explosions in Greece.