@article{ref1,
title="Outcomes of abdominal firearm injury and damage control laparotomy in the pediatric population",
journal="Journal of surgical research",
year="2022",
author="Gilna, Gareth P. and Saberi, Rebecca A. and Ramsey, Walter and Huerta, Carlos T. and O'Neil, Christopher F. and Perez, Eduardo A. and Sola, Juan E. and Thorson, Chad M.",
volume="279",
number="",
pages="733-738",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: Firearm injuries (GSW) in the pediatric population is a public health crisis. Little is known about the outcomes of damage control laparotomy (DCL) following abdominal GSW. This study aims to evaluate outcomes from abdominal GSWs in the pediatric population. <br><br>METHODS: The trauma registry from an urban Level 1 trauma was queried for pediatric (0-18 y) GSW was queried from September 2013 to June 2020. Demographics, clinical variables, outcomes, readmissions, and recidivism were analyzed. <br><br>RESULTS: Abdominal GSW were identified in 83 patients (17% of all GSW). The median age was 16 [15-17], 84% were male and 86% Black. Violent intent accounted for 90% of GSW. The injury severity score was 16 [9-26] and 80% went directly from the resuscitation bay to the operating room. Laparotomy was required in 87% of patients, and surgery was not required in any patient initially managed nonoperatively. The most common complications were intraabdominal infection (20%), other infections (13%), and small bowel obstruction (8%). DCL with temporary abdominal closure was performed in 16% of laparotomies and was associated with a longer length of stay, more infections, but similar rates of readmission and mortality. Overall mortality was 13%, with all but one patient expiring in the resuscitation bay or the operating room. All patients who underwent DCL survived to discharge. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal firearm injuries have high morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. Damage control operations for abdominal GSWs are a valuable surgical option with similar outcomes to primary abdominal closure after initial injury survival.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0022-4804",
doi="10.1016/j.jss.2022.06.058",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2022.06.058"
}