2020 Volume 40 Issue 1 Pages 29-34
【Aim】The management of abdominal stab wounds has shifted from mandatory laparotomy to selective nonoperative management. This study aimed at evaluating the clinical course of patients with abdominal stab wounds.【Methods】We retrospectively examined data on 33 cases of abdominal stab wounds observed at our institute between January 2006 and December 2017. General surgeons managed the treatment of all patients.【Results】In total, 33 patients were evaluated (median age, 57 years; 23 males and 10 females). Organ evisceration was observed in 12 patients, six of which had omental evisceration. Of 33 patients, 24 underwent urgent laparotomy, among which 12 had organ damage that required repair. Postoperative complications occurred only in four patients undergoing a laparotomy. No cases required delayed laparotomy. The rate of unnecessary laparotomy (UNL) was 50.0％.【Conclusion】The rate of UNL in this study was higher than those previously reported. Omental evisceration does not always necessitate an emergency laparotomy.
