Non-operative treatment of abdominal gunshot injuries.

Abstract

Non-operative treatment is a management option that challenges the traditional mandatory laparotomy for abdominal gunshot injuries. All published relevant clinical reports were retrieved by searching through the Medline database and manually. The theoretical arguments in favour of non-operative management as well as the results of the reviewed reports are analysed and evaluated. Patients with proven non-penetration of the abdominal cavity can be offered conservative treatment with a satisfactory outcome. Greater caution should be exercised in the presence of a documented visceral injury until the safety of this option has been established by further clinical trials.