Penetrating injuries in Germany – epidemiology, management and outcome an analysis based on the TraumaRegister DGU®

Abstract Background The management of penetrating wounds is a rare challenge for trauma surgeons in Germany and Central Europe as result the low incidence this type trauma. In Germany, injuries are reported to occur 4–5 % severely injured patients who enrolled TraumaRegister DGU® (trauma registry German Trauma Society). They include gunshot injuries, knife stab which far more common, other origin, example caused by accidents. objective study was assess epidemiology outcome with particular focus on level care provided treating centre gain understanding mechanism anticipate necessary steps initial treatment. Materials methods Since 2009, has been used not only whether but also it or stabbing. Data were taken from standard documentation forms that participating hospitals completed between 2009 2018. Excluded maximum abbreviated injury scale (MAIS) score 1 view obtaining realistic idea entity, Germany. Results From 2018, there 1123 wounds, corresponding prevalence rate 0.5 %, 4333 (1.8 %), frequently violent crime. high proportion intentionally self-inflicted head resulted cumulative mortality 41 injuries. Stab associated lower (6.8 %). Every fourth fifth patient wound presented haemorrhagic shock, problem seen during both prehospital inhospital phase management. Of 18.3 required transfusions. This percentage than two times higher basic group DGU®, consists MAIS ≥ 3 2 died treated intensive unit. Conclusions have mostly crime attempted suicides. Depending site injury, they often major haemorrhage. As these types trauma, further data analyses order provide basis evaluating long-term quality wounds.