@article{ref1,
title="The spectrum of injuries resulting from abdominal stab wounds with isolated omental evisceration: a South African experience",
journal="American journal of surgery",
year="2019",
author="Kong, V. Y. and Weale, R. and Blodgett, J. M. and Buitendag, J. and Oosthuizen, G. V. and Bruce, J. L. and Laing, G. L. and Clarke, D. L.",
volume="217",
number="4",
pages="653-657",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: The spectrum of injury associated with anterior abdominal stab wounds (SWs) is well established. The literature in the specific setting of isolated omental evisceration is limited. <br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed our experience of 244 consecutive patients with established indications for laparotomy over an eight year period at a major trauma centre in South Africa. <br><br>RESULTS: Of the 244 patients (93% male, mean age: 27 years), 224 (92) underwent immediate laparotomy (IL). Twenty were initially observed and eventually required a laparotomy (delayed laparotomy, DL). The mean time from injury to decision for laparotomy was <3 h in 92% (224/244), <6 h in 6% (14/244), <12 h 2% (4/244) and <18 h in 1% (2/244). Ninety-eight per cent (238/244) of laparotomies were positive and 96% of the positive laparotomies (229/238) were considered therapeutic. The mostly commonly injured organ encountered on laparotomy were small bowel, stomach and colon. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The most commonly injures encountered are intestinal and gastric. Clinicians must remain vigilant as injuries may be subtle.<br><br>Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0002-9610",
doi="10.1016/j.amjsurg.2018.06.003",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2018.06.003"
}