DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Surgically Removed Intrapulmonary Shotgun Pellet without Traumatic Hemopneumothorax

  • Yoon, Soo Young (Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Chungbuk National University Hospital) ;
  • Sul, Young Hoon (Department of Trauma Surgery, Chungbuk National University Hospital)
  • Received : 2020.07.20
  • Accepted : 2020.10.12
  • Published : 2021.03.30

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.

Keywords

References

  1. Kelley WA, James EC. Retained intrapulmonary bullet presenting with bronchial obstruction. J Trauma 1976;16:153-4. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005373-197602000-00012
  2. Saunders MS, Cropp AJ, Awad M. Spontaneous endobronchial erosion and expectoration of a retained intrathoracic bullet: case report. J Trauma 1992;33:909-11. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005373-199212000-00021
  3. Panichabhongse V, Kasantikul V, Panichabhongse S, Kanluan S. Bullet embolus to the right pulmonary artery after abdominal gunshot wound with "piggyback bullet". J Med Assoc Thai 1996;79:676-9.
  4. Symbas PN, Harlaftis N. Bullet emboli in the pulmonary and systemic arteries. Ann Surg 1977;185:318-20. https://doi.org/10.1097/00000658-197703000-00012
  5. Sherlock DJ, Jones B, Williams CR. Bullet wounds of the left lower chest and arterial bullet embolism. J R Coll Surg Edinb 1984;29:214-7.
  6. Stefanopoulos PK, Hadjigeorgiou GF, Filippakis K, Gyftokostas D. Gunshot wounds: a review of ballistics related to penetrating trauma. J Acute Dis 2014;3:178-85. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-6189(14)60041-X
  7. Gant TD, Epstein LI. Low-velocity gunshot wounds to the maxillofacial complex. J Trauma 1979;19:674-7. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005373-197909000-00007
  8. Berlin R, Gelin LE, Janzon B, Lewis DH, Rybeck B, Sandegard J, et al. Local effects of assault rifle bullets in live tissues. Acta Chir Scand Suppl 1976;459:1-76.
  9. Meggs WJ, Gerr F, Aly MH, Kierena T, Roberts DL, Shih R, et al. The treatment of lead poisoning from gunshot wounds with succimer (DMSA). J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1994;32:377-85. https://doi.org/10.3109/15563659409011038
  10. Ellenhorn MJ. Metals and related compounds. In: Seth N. Schonwald, Ordog G, Wasserberger J, eds. Ellenhorn's medical toxicology: diagnosis and treatment of human poisoning. 2nd ed. London:Elsevier;1997:1563-79.
  11. Gerami S, Cousar JE 3rd, Davie JM, Moseley TM. The management of gunshot wounds of the chest. Ann Thorac Surg 1968;5:189-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0003-4975(10)66330-8
  12. Tanmoy G, Sandeep Kumar K, Chaitali S, Chiranjib B, Manasij M. Thoracic gunshot wound: a report of 3 cases and review of management. J Univer Surg 2015;3:1-5.