Omental evisceration through an abdominal stab wound: is exploratory laparotomy mandatory?

The authors reviewed and analysed the records of 75 patients with omental and bowel evisceration as a result of abdominal stab wounds to discover whether omental prolapse makes laparotomy mandatory. Major intraabdominal injuries were found in 82.7% of the total group, 82.9% in those with omental protrusion and 82.5% in patients with bowel prolapse. The nature of the injuries and the incidence of multiple organ trauma were similar in the two groups. Negative laparotomy did not cause important morbidity. The authors conclude that omental herniation after stab wounds of the abdomen should routinely prompt exploratory celiotomy.