Successful selective non-operative management of abdominal gunshot wounds: The ballistic aspect

The management strategy for abdominal gunshot wounds has traditionally been mandatory laparotomy. Type of ammunition and weapon used are important data, often clinically underestimated to change the care strategy. We report two cases of patient who had been hit by a shotgun with abdominal and thoracic penetrating wounds conservatively treated. The simple penetration into the abdominal cavity cannot be considered anymore an absolute indication for surgery; considering the clinical parameters, ballistic evaluation of the wound can guide to a conservative strategy.