Gunshot injuries in Maiduguri north eastern Nigeria

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gunshot injuries are a global problem especially in the developing world where poverty, political instability, easy access to firearms, and terrorism are common. Patients and Methods: We reviewed all gunshot injury patients managed at specialist hospital Maiduguri over two- years. The patients were managed by trauma team. Results: A total of 338 patients were studied age ranged from 3 months to 76 years, peak age group 30- 39 years accounting for 29% with male to female ratio of 4.83:1. Pattern of injuries were lower extremities in 51.78%, and abdomen in 11.83%. Procedures performed were exploratory laparotomy in 92.50% of abdominal injuries, thoracostomy tube drainage in 89.29% of chest trauma. The post-operative complications were limb shortening in 14.50%, and surgical site infection in 11.54%. Mortality was 8.58%. Prognostic factors were site of injury, multiplicity, co morbid conditions, shock, and renal failure among others. Conclusion: Good governance, poverty alleviation, education, and gun control policy by respective governments are essential in reducing the menace of gunshot. Language: en