Retained Weapon Injuries: An Unusual Presentation with a Good Prognosis

Leire Zarain Obrador, M Dolores Pérez Díaz, Marta Cuadrado Ayuso, Alejandro Sánchez Arteaga and Fernando Turégano Fuentes

Department of General Surgery, General of Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, Spain

^*Correspondance to: Leire Zarain Obrador 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.1224

Abstract

Introduction: Retained weapon injuries are unusual but present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The aim of this study was to review our experience in the management of these patients. Material and
Methods: Retrospective review of patients with retained weapon injuries included in our Trauma Registry during a period of 21 years.
Results: Sixteen patients with retained weapon injuries were identified, 13 men and 3 women, with a median age of 45 years (25-88). Nine weapons were in the abdomen, three in the thorax, three in the head, and one in the neck. All patients were hemodynamically stable on admission, and the mean RTS and ISS were of 11.7 and 11, respectively. Surgical approaches included 8 laparotomies, 1 laparoscopy, 1 sternotomy, 1 VATS (video-assisted thoracic surgery), 2 craniotomies, 1 posterior neck exploration, and 2 simple extractions. There was one death, not directly related to the injury, in an 82 y.o. patient with a through-and-through cardiac wound. Conclusions: Despite their spectacular presentation most patients will be hemodynamically stable, allowing for consideration of minimally invasive techniques in selected patients. Their overall prognosis is good.

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Cite the article

Obrador LZ, Dolores Perez Diaz M, Ayuso MC, Sanchez A. Retained Weapon Injuries: An Unusual Presentation with a Good Prognosis. Clin Surg. 2016; 1: 1224.