Serial Clinical Examinations of 100 Patients Treated for Anterior Abdominal Wall Stab Wounds: A Cross Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: The current approach in stab wounds of the anterior abdominal wall is still unclear. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate serial clinical examinations of patients with abdominal wall stab wounds referred to Poursina Hospital in Rasht. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a cross sectional study, 100 cases with stab wounds to the anterior abdominal wall were examined serially (admission time, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours) after wound exploration. Serial hemoglobin test was performed every 8 hours. Laparotomy was performed in cases who were not hemodynamically stable or who showed symptoms of peritonitis. The results were analyzed with SPSS software version 21. RESULTS: Ninety-one men (91%) and 9 women (9%) with mean age of 27 ± 10.7 years were included. Coexisting injuries were prevalent in 12 cases. The duration of hospitalization was 1 day in 31%, 2 days in 30%, 3 - 4 days in 32% and more than 5 days in 7%. Late laparotomy was performed 12 hours after admission in 8% of patients due to peritonitis. There was visceral damage in these cases. No mortality occurred. The cost and duration of hospitalization was significantly higher in cases with coexisting injuries and those who underwent laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: It seems serial clinical examinations are safe and decrease the cost and duration of hospitalization in stable patients with anterior abdominal wall stab wounds.