@article{ref1,
title="Civilian low velocity gunshot wounds of the liver",
journal="European journal of surgery, The",
year="1994",
author="Leppäniemi, A. K. and Salo, J. A. and Haapiainen, R. K.",
volume="160",
number="12",
pages="663-668",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: To report our experience in the management of hepatic gunshot wounds. DESIGN: Retrospective study of medical records. SETTING: University department of surgery, Finland. SUBJECTS: 38 patients admitted with hepatic gunshot wounds confirmed at operation. INTERVENTIONS: Laparotomy in all cases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Of the 35 low velocity bullet wounds of the liver, 23 (66%) were severe, but 34 (97%) could be managed with simple operative techniques. Two of the three shotgun injuries were at point-blank range, and one required lobectomy. Four patients (11%) died, and in all cases haemorrhage from associated cardiovascular injuries was a major contributing factor. Postoperative morbidity after bullet wounds was 57%, including two local hepatic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Simple operative repairs are sufficient and safe in most patients with low velocity bullet wounds of the liver. Associated injuries are the main cause of postoperative mortality and morbidity. Point-blank shotgun injuries involving the liver are not necessarily fatal.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1102-4151",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}