Citation

O'Kelly F, Gallagher TK, Lim KT, Smyth PJ, Keeling PN. Ir. J. Med. Sci. 2010; 179(2): 239-243.

Affiliation

Department of General Surgery, Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, Republic of Ireland, fokelly@rcsi.ie.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, General Publications)

DOI

10.1007/s11845-010-0477-3

PMID

20213519

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gun-related crime offenses have increased in the Republic of Ireland steadily over the past number of years. Regional trauma units are witnessing unprecedented numbers of injuries in the Republic of Ireland with limited prior experience. AIMS: Eight-year retrospective study analyzing demographic data, management and outcome of firearm-related injuries. RESULTS: Patients who experience gunshot injuries in this region are statistically likely to be young, male and unemployed with a single shotgun injury to an extremity. Post-operative survival rates of 100% for those who undergo an exploratory laparotomy. CONCLUSION: Ireland has comparable survival outcomes to other international centers with similar patient demographics due to timely and appropriate operative intervention. These results serve to provide a template for further patient management.

Language: en