A one-year analysis of penetrating abdominal and chest injuries

Background: The increasing incidence of penetrating injuries, often linked to rising societal pressures and aggression, presents a significant public health and clinical challenge, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at K. R. Hospital, involving 83 adult patients (age >18 years) who presented with penetrating injuries to the chest or abdomen between 01 January 2024 and 31 December 2024. Data collected included demographics, injury details, surgical procedures, ICU admission, and mortality. Injury severity was classified using anatomical and physiological scores, including the abbreviated injury scale (AIS), injury severity score (ISS), new injury severity score (NISS), and revised trauma score (RTS). Results: A total of 83 patients with penetrating wounds presented, with 25 requiring admission. The mean age was 32.6 years, and the cohort was predominantly male (male: female ratio of 24:1), with 80.8% of admitted patients under 45 years old. Fourteen patients required surgical intervention, and 35.6% were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The overall 30-day and in-hospital mortality rate was 4.1% (3 deaths). Fatalities were associated with severe injuries, including multiple injuries (ISS 17 and 75) and a severe isolated abdominal injury (ISS 25). Conclusions: Penetrating injuries disproportionately affect young adult males and are associated with a significant mortality rate of 4.1%. The findings underscore the need for effective violence prevention strategies, rapid trauma assessment, and specialized surgical care to improve outcomes in patients presenting with severe, often multi-regional, penetrating wounds.