Local wound exploration of anterior abdominal stab wounds.

At least 25% of stab wounds of the abdomen are superficial. This can be determined in the ED by local wound exploration. If there is no penetration of the posterior fascia as determined by the technique herein described, the patient can be discharged from the emergency department after adequate local wound care is given. Because the patient is not admitted if exploration is negative, this is a safe and cost-effective method of managing superficial stab wounds of the abdomen.