Shotgun wounds of the abodomen: revisited.

A review of one hundred and sixty-seven patients with penetrating abdominal injuries caused by firearms showed that 17 patients (11%) had shotgun wounds. Nine patients were treated nonoperatively, whereas eight patients had immediate exploratory laporotomy. An analysis of shotgun wounds of the abdomen is presented to outline the principles in management. Factors influencing conservative versus operative treatment are discussed. Magnitude of the clinical problems have been illustrated by means of 4 cases.