Gunshot injuries: patterns, presentations, and outcomes of civilian hospital experiences in a developing country setting

Abstract

BackgroundGunshot injuries are considered a 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 in a sub-Saharan country.MethodsThis is a retrospective, hospital-based study conducted between January 2015- 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.ResultsOne hundred fifty-seven patients were included in the study, with male predominant 83%. 40% are between 19-30 years of age, with patients under 18 years of age comprising 17% of the population. The anatomical sites most commonly affected by gunshot were the lower limb (41.4%) and upper limb (22.9%), and the least impacted site is the perineum (1.9%). The most common diagnoses among the patients in this study were limb fractures (49.7%) and soft tissue injuries (28.7%). Specific treatment in this study is wound debridement, which was done for 91 (58.0 %) patients. Bone fixation, laparotomy and chest tube insertion were done for the rest of the patients. More than 120 (75%) of patients were treated and discharge in a good condition and 27 (17.2%). The mortality rate in this study group was 15.3 %.Conclusion Most of the patient in this study were young males. Upper and lower limb fractures are the most common presentations. Wound debridement, bone fixation and laparotomy are the most common treatments with significant success rates, despite prolonged hospital stay.