Penetrating abdominal injury cases admitted in University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

An audit of patients with penetrating abdominal injuries who were admitted and managed at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital between January 1, 1992 and December 31st 2001 was carried out to ascertain the pattern of injury. Of the 34 cases, 30 (88.2%) were males and 4 (11.8%) females, giving a male/female ratio of 8.5:1. The age range was 1 to 51 years (mean 25.23±5.6years). The 21 to 30 age group was the most vulnerable while those above 60 were least affected. Gun was the weapon used in most of the cases (64.7%) and most of them were due to armed robbery attack (50.0%) and accidental discharge from police rifles (36.4%). The incidence of penetrating abdominal injuries especially through gunshot injuries is on the increase and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in our community. Control measures and ways of reducing morbidity and mortality are suggested. Keywords : penetrating abdominal injuries, gun shot injuries. Annals of Biomedical Science Vol. 3 (1&2) 2004: pp. 39-44