Abstract

Aim: The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the characteristics of the patients presenting with abdominal stab wounds who were treated with surgery or not. Methods: The study included 204 patients admitted to our hospital presenting with penetrating abdominal travma between 1998-2003. The patients were evaluated in terms of their presenting elinical characteristics and Jaboratory findings. Results: Of the patients, 146 (71.5%) underwent laporatomy, whereas 58 (28.4%) were followed-up without surgery. Thirty-four cases (23.2%) had negative results after /aporatomy and laporatomy was found unnecessary in 7(4. 7%) cases. In the non-operative group, 5 (8.6%) patients underwent surgery afterwards. Conclusion: We conclude that non-operative management may yield benefits in selective cases with penetrating abdominal travma.