Stab wounds of the abdomen. Observe or explore?

Abstract

Experience with 403 cases of stab wounds of the abdomen, with emphasis on the policy of selective management is reviewed. Forty-six percent (187) of the patients were operated on immediately because of clinical findings. Fifty-four % (216 patients) were treated conservatively after initial evaluation, and only 4% (16 patients) required subsequent surgical intervention, with no mortalities. The overall morbidity was 9.2%, with a 1.6% mortality in the operative group. With more than 20 yr of experience in the management of stab wounds, the selective approach was found to be safe and reliable.