EXPLORATORY LAPAROTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH PENETRATING WOUNDS OF ABDOMEN

During a seven year period, 370 penetrating wounds of the abdomen were explored surgically. In retrospect, one hundred of these wounds (27 per cent) did not enter the peritoneal cavity. Eighteen per cent of these hundred patients manifested significant intraabdominal symptoms. All hundred patients were operated on with no mortality or serious morbidity. An additional hundred patients with penetration of the parietal peritoneum and serious or minor injury were evaluated with regard to their preoperative physical findings and stability of vital signs. Eighteen of these patients who had no abdominal findings were found to have significant injuries at laparotomy. Prompt operative evaluation of the patient with penetrating wounds of the abdomen is important in decreasing the morbidity and mortality secondary to perforation of vital structures, and we believe that this can be done with minimal risk. © 1968.