Non-operative treatment of abdominal gunshot injuries

Background: Non-operative treatment is a management option that challenges the traditional mandatory laparotomy for abdominal gunshot injuries. Methods: All published relevant clinical reports were retrieved by searchin g through the Medline database and manually. The theoretical arguments in f avour of non-operative management as well as the results of the reviewed re ports are analysed and evaluated. Results and conclusion: Patients with proven non-penetration of the abdomin al cavity can be offered conservative treatment with a satisfactory outcome . Greater caution should be exercised in the presence of a documented visce ral injury until the safety of this option has been established by further clinical trials.