Onuminya J E, Ohwowhiagbese E
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.
S Afr J Surg. 2005 Nov;43(4):170-2.
This retrospective review of 76 patients with gunshot wounds was undertaken to evaluate the pattern and outcome of civilian gunshot injuries in our region. The extremities were the most commonly affected site (51.5% of all gunshot wounds). Gunshot injuries were most common among young males in the third decade of life, and armed robbery was the cause of gunshot trauma in 69.7% of cases. Time from injury to arrival at hospital was less than 6 hours in 64.4% of cases. Wound exploration and debridement were the mode of treatment in the majority of cases. Hypovolaemia resulting from acute haemorrhage accounted for 52.9% of complications. The mortality rate was 5.3%. It is pertinent to observe that inefficient firearm control is a major factor contributing to civilian gunshot injuries in our region. In addition, high rates of unemployment and poverty in our society may be contributing to the increasing incidence of youth restiveness, armed robbery and associated gunshot injuries. Strong government legislation is required to provide adequate security for the teeming civilian population. The national government should embark on a poverty eradication strategy and engage the youth in gainful employment to reduce the incidence of youth restiveness, armed robbery and firearm-related violence.
对76例枪伤患者进行了这项回顾性研究，以评估我们地区平民枪伤的模式和结果。四肢是最常受影响的部位（占所有枪伤的51.5%）。枪伤在30岁左右的年轻男性中最为常见，69.7%的枪伤病例是由武装抢劫所致。64.4%的病例从受伤到入院的时间少于6小时。大多数病例的治疗方式为伤口探查和清创。急性出血导致的低血容量占并发症的52.9%。死亡率为5.3%。值得注意的是，枪支管控不力是我们地区平民枪伤的一个主要促成因素。此外，我们社会中高失业率和贫困率可能导致年轻人躁动、武装抢劫及相关枪伤事件的发生率上升。需要强有力的政府立法为大量平民提供充分的安全保障。国家政府应着手实施消除贫困战略，并让年轻人从事有收益的工作，以减少年轻人躁动、武装抢劫及枪支相关暴力事件的发生率。
