The Outcome of Penetrating Chest and Abdominal Trauma: A Hospital-Based Retrospective Study

Author(s):

Bahakem KO, Alsanapani Abdulsamad*, Al-Zaazaai Ali Ahmed

Background: Penetrating chest and abdominal trauma is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in regions with high rates of violence and limited healthcare resources. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of patients presenting with penetrating chest and abdominal trauma at a district hospital in Yemen. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 31 patients admitted between January 2023 and December 2024. Data on demographic characteristics, injury mechanisms, management strategies, and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The majority of patients were male (87.1%), aged 20-39 years (58.1%), and sustained injuries due to sharp objects (64.5%). All patients required surgical intervention, with laparotomy being the most common procedure (45.2%). The overall mortality rate was 9.7%, and 87.1% of patients were discharged in stable condition. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for improved trauma care resources and protocols in low-resource settings. The findings underscore the importance of timely surgical intervention and the disparities in trauma care outcomes compared to high-resource settings.