Citation

Bukhari AS, Munir A, Hussain S. Gomal J. Med. Sci. 2017; 15(2): 87-91.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Gomal Medical College)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The incidences of violent crimes with gunshot injuries have become increasingly more common. The objective of the study was to determine the frequency and distribution of firearms injuries, etiological factors and the management of the patients. Material & Methods: This hospital based, cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Surgery, DHQ Teaching Hospital, Bannu from January 2015 to December 2015. Sample size was 292 cases with consecutive technique. All the firearm injury cases presented to the Surgical Department of DHQ Teaching Hospital were included and all other cases were excluded. Demographic variables were; sex, age in years, age groups and time distribution. Research variables were; length of hospital stay, etiology, site of firearm injuries and the procedure performed in surgical operation theater. Categorical variables were calculated as frequency and percentages whereas numeric variable that is age in years was calculated as minimum and maximum. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis.

RESULTS: Out of the 292 cases, 250 (85.6%) were male and 42(14.4%) were females. The male to female ratio was 6:1. The age ranged from 4-70 years. The majority of cases were between 11-30 years. In terms of injury site 126(43%) had injury of abdomen, 74(25%) limbs, 69(24%) thorax, Head (3%), Neck 3(1%) and 11(4%) patients got multiple injuries on their bodies. On laparotomy, 65 had perforations in jejunum and ileum, while liver was involved in 18 cases, Colon was injured in 16, cecum in 7. While in 63 cases Chest cavity was breached where Chest Intubation was done.

CONCLUSION: Firearm injuries were common among young males, Civilian clash was the most common cause of firearm injuries. Abdomen and pelvis were the most affected body regions.

Language: en

Keywords

Civilian; civilian gunshot wounds; Firearm; Gunshots; mortality