Tag Archives: gunshot wound

General Surgery, Print Release, Trauma

PUBLISHED: Exploratory Laparotomy in a Hemodynamically Stable Patient for an Abdominal Gunshot Wound

Exploratory Laparotomy in a Hemodynamically Stable Patient for an Abdominal Gunshot Wound
Matthew Daniel1; Ashley Suah, MD2; Brian Williams, MD2
1Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn
2UChicago Medicine

Gunshot wounds to the abdomen are one of the most classic trauma cases a surgeon will come across in their career. The high velocity of a bullet can cause massive internal and external trauma to the abdomen. Exploration of the small bowel using laparotomy is often indicated after a penetrating traumatic injury or when peritoneal signs are present.

This video article shows the most common techniques for performing an exploratory laparotomy. In this case, the abdomen was explored and was revealed to show a through-and-through gunshot wound to the jejunum, as well as a partial-thickness tear of the proximal cecum; the abdomen was explored for any smaller bleeds or leaks, and the abdomen was closed.

General Surgery, Preprint Release, Trauma

PREPRINT RELEASE: Exploratory Laparotomy in a Hemodynamically Stable Patient for an Abdominal Gunshot Wound

Exploratory Laparotomy in a Hemodynamically Stable Patient for an Abdominal Gunshot Wound
UChicago Medicine

Brian Williams, MD
Associate Professor of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery
Co-Director, Surgical Intensive Care Unit

Ashley Suah, MD
Resident Physician
General Surgery

The patient in this case presented with an abdominal gunshot wound and peritonitis. Here, Dr. Williams and Dr. Suah perform an exploratory laparotomy and repair a through-and-through gunshot wound to the distal jejunum and a partial-thickness injury to the proximal cecum.