Citation

Mazotas IG, Hamilton NA, McCubbins MA, Keller MS. J. Trauma Nurs. 2012; 19(4): 240-245.

Affiliation

Division of Pediatric Surgery, St Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, Missouri.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Society of Trauma Nurses)

DOI

10.1097/JTN.0b013e31827757a7

PMID

23222406

Abstract

The purpose of this retrospective review was to determine the long-term consequences of retained bullet foreign bodies in children after gunshot injury. All children managed for gunshot wounds at an urban, level I pediatric trauma center were evaluated, identifying those discharged with retained bullet foreign bodies. Overall, 244 children were treated for gunshot wounds, 107 (44%) had retained foreign bodies, 24 (22%) experienced long-term complications related to retained foreign bodies, and 14 (13%) required removal. Complications occur in a significant subset of pediatric patients with retained bullets. Prophylactic bullet removal appears unnecessary, although close outpatient follow-up is warranted.

Language: en