A 12-year review of gunshot injuries: Auckland City Hospital experience.

OBJECTIVE

To review gunshot injuries treated in Auckland City Hospital (Auckland, New Zealand) over 12 years (1995-2006) and to determine their intent, incidence, presentation, severity of injuries, and outcome.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients with gunshot wounds (GSW) identified from the Auckland City Hospital Trauma registry over the 12-year period 1995-2006.

RESULTS

A cohort of 56 patients was identified. The majority of patients were male (91%). Fifty-two percent of patients suffered accidental injuries. The average age of the victims was 32. In the final outcome, 4 (7%) patients died, all due to GSW to the head, while all others were discharged alive.

CONCLUSION

Gunshot injury is not a common presentation to Auckland City Hospital, the largest metropolitan hospital in New Zealand. Despite the small number of patients presented, the overall outcomes remain acceptable.