M Figl1, P Weninger, H Hertz. 1. AUVA Unfallkrankenhaus Lorenz Böhler, Wien, Osterreich. m.figl@gmx.at
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gunshot injuries are very rare in the European Union. To show the requirements for the trauma surgeon to deal with gunshot injuries this analysis was performed. METHODS: Gunshot injuries seen at Lorenz Boehler Trauma Center from 1997 to 2004 were reviewed. The case histories of 67 patients were analysed for the cause of the gunshot injury, type of weapon, surgical intervention, days of treatment and outcome. RESULTS: The most commonly cause of gunshot injuries were criminal offenses (n = 35). Handguns were used most often (n = 32). The locations of injuries were evenly distributed over head (n = 18 ), trunk (n = 16), upper (n = 15) and lower limb (n = 18). Surgical treatment was performed in 57 patients. The median stay on ICU was 10 days. 6 patients died. CONCLUSION: Gunshot injuries are frequently not confined to the extremities. The challenge for the trauma surgeon is to deal with injuries of the head, chest and abdomen.
BACKGROUND: Gunshot injuries are very rare in the European Union. To show the requirements for the trauma surgeon to deal with gunshot injuries this analysis was performed. METHODS: Gunshot injuries seen at Lorenz Boehler Trauma Center from 1997 to 2004 were reviewed. The case histories of 67 patients were analysed for the cause of the gunshot injury, type of weapon, surgical intervention, days of treatment and outcome. RESULTS: The most commonly cause of gunshot injuries were criminal offenses (n = 35). Handguns were used most often (n = 32). The locations of injuries were evenly distributed over head (n = 18 ), trunk (n = 16), upper (n = 15) and lower limb (n = 18). Surgical treatment was performed in 57 patients. The median stay on ICU was 10 days. 6 patients died. CONCLUSION: Gunshot injuries are frequently not confined to the extremities. The challenge for the trauma surgeon is to deal with injuries of the head, chest and abdomen.
Authors: Marcus Stoetzer; Carsten Stoetzer; Majeed Rana; Alexander Zeller; Alexander Hanke; Nils-Claudius Gellrich; Constantin von See Journal: J Emerg Trauma Shock Date: 2014-04