J Trauma Inj.  2021 Mar;34(1):66-69. 10.20408/jti.2020.0026.

Surgically Removed Intrapulmonary Shotgun Pellet without Traumatic Hemopneumothorax

• Yoon SY
• Sul YH

• KMID: 2514787
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2020.0026

Abstract

When treating firearms injuries, knowledge of the proper management is important because these injuries have high morbidity and mortality. However, due to strict gun safety regulations, surgeons in Asia often have limited experiences with gunshot wound management. Recently, the authors had the experience of removing a bullet that did not cause hemopneumothorax, but remained in the lung parenchyma. Due to the risk of complications that could occur if the bullet was not removed, surgical treatment was eventually performed to remove the bullet. A literature review was needed to determine whether this treatment was appropriate. We concluded that removing the bullet could prevent incidental complications. In this regard, the authors report a case along with a review of the relevant literature to suggest appropriate treatment directions for surgeons who do not have experience with gunshot wounds.

Keyword

Chest injury; Firearms; Management; Shotgun; Trauma