Citation

Leppäniemi AK, Salo JA, Haapiainen RK. Eur. J. Surg. 1994; 160(12): 663-668.

Affiliation

Second Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Taylor & Francis)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7888466

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience in the management of hepatic gunshot wounds. DESIGN: Retrospective study of medical records. SETTING: University department of surgery, Finland. SUBJECTS: 38 patients admitted with hepatic gunshot wounds confirmed at operation. INTERVENTIONS: Laparotomy in all cases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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.

Language: en