Penetrating Abdominal Wounds in the General Surgery Department of the Koundara Prefectural Hospital: A Report of 26 Cases

Objective: To determine the epidemiological, lesion-related, and therapeutic aspects of penetrating abdominal wounds at the Prefectural Hospital of Koundara. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective and descriptive study conducted in the General Surgery Department of the Prefectural Hospital of Koundara over a period of one (01) year, from January 1 to December 31, 2021. Results: The study included 26 patients, comprising 20 men (76.92%) and 6 women (23.07%), with a male-to-female ratio of 3.33. The mean age was 27.92 years. Penetrating abdominal wounds accounted for 8.33% of abdominal surgical emergencies. The main reason for consultation was pain (100%). Assaults were the most frequent cause (38.46%), with sharp weapons being the main injuring agent (100%), followed by road traffic accidents with impalement (23.07%). Small bowel perforations and omental injuries were the most common lesions (89.5% and 7.34%, respectively). Surgical procedures mainly consisted of excision and suturing in 91.3% of cases. Morbidity and mortality rates were 19.23% and 3.84%, respectively. Conclusion: Penetrating abdominal wounds are a relatively common surgical emergency. They are predominantly caused by assaults, with the small intestine and omentum being the most frequently injured organs. Their management is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality.