https://doi.org/10.18502/sjms.v18i1.12867
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authors
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Mohamed Bakhiet
Mohamed Bakhiet
Department of Plastic Surgery and Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kordofan University, Elobeid, Sudan
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Mohammedbabalrahma Koko
Mohammedbabalrahma Koko
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kordofan University, Elobeid, Sudan
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Abdelrahim Kabbashi
Abdelrahim Kabbashi
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kordofan University, Elobeid, Sudan
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Mohamed Gismalla
Mohamed Gismalla
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Gezira, Medani, Sudan
Published Date
- Mar 31, 2023
Gunshot Injuries: Patterns, Presentations, and Outcomes of Civilian Hospital Experiences in a Developing Country Setting
Abstract
Background: Gunshot injuries are considered a health burden as well as one of the intricate emergencies in civilian medical practice. In this study, we aim to determine the pattern of presentation and management outcome in a general hospital setting in a sub-Saharan African country.
Methods: This is a retrospective, hospital-based study conducted between January 2015 and December 2019 in a general teaching hospital to review the clinical presentation and management outcome of gunshot injuries. All patients’ records were reviewed during the study period.
Results: The total number of patients involved in the study was 157 with 83% male predominant. About 50% were from the age group 20–29 years that were most affected. The commonest anatomical site affected in the study was the lower limb (41.4%) and upper limb (22.9%), and most of the patients had been diagnosed with limb fractures (49.7%) and soft tissue injuries (28.7%). Wound debridement is the commonest procedure performed for 91 (58.0%) patients. The site of the pullet has a significant relation to the management outcome with a P-value of 0.002. Additionally, about 45% (72 patients) have stayed more than 20 days and it was affected significantly by the types of treatment provided, which has a significant relation to a hospital stay with a P-value of 0.00.
Conclusion: Most of the patients in this study were young males. Upper and lower limb fractures were the most common presentations. Wound debridement, bone fixation, and laparotomy were the most common treatments with significant success rates, despite prolonged hospital stays.
Keywords:
epidemiology, gunshot injuries, gunshot wound, sub-Saharan countries, Sudan
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