OBJECTIVE
To study the incidence and structure of combat gunshot surgical trauma received during the 2nd Karabakh War and to analyze the results of treatment of these victims.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We analyzed surgical treatment of 60 victims with combat gunshot surgical trauma received during the 2nd Karabakh war. In 25 (41.7%) victims, injury occurred as a result of mine-explosive trauma. These victims were divided into 3 groups depending on mechanism of mine-explosive injury. The 1st group included 7 (28%) patients who received mine-explosive injury due to indirect (propelling) effect of blast wave. The 2nd group included 14 (56%) victims in whom mine-explosive injury was caused by non-contact (distant) impact of mine fragments. The 3rd group consisted of 4 (16%) patients whose mine-explosive injuries were caused by direct impact of explosion factors on various anatomical areas. Patients were also ranked into 3 groups depending on the nature and severity of mine-explosive injury: wounded with isolated injuries (n=16, 64%), wounded with concomitant injuries (n=2.8%), wounded with combined and multiple injuries (n=7, 28%).
RESULTS
Most patients underwent organ-sparing procedures. Resections were performed only in 4 cases (splenectomy — 3, nephrectomy — 1). Postoperative complications developed in 23 (38.3%) wounded (suppuration of postoperative wounds — 13, post-traumatic pleuritis — 5, clotted hemothorax — 2, subphrenic abscess — 1, phlegmon of perineum and perianal region — 2). Mortality rate was 1.7%.
CONCLUSION
Timely sorting and evacuation of victims, early qualified surgical care and correct postoperative management with monitoring of vital functions can improve the results of treatment of victims with mine-explosive trauma. Autologous skin grafting for extensive defects and closure of colostomy with restoration of colon continuity were essential in rehabilitation of these patients.
