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Indications for bullet removal: overview of the literature, and clinical practice guidelines for European trauma surgeons

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Abstract

Purpose

The incidence of gunshot wounds from civilian firearms is increasing. Despite this fact, guidelines on indications for bullet removal are scarce. In this analysis, we combine an overview of the available literature in these rare entities with our experiences in our own clinical practices.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search of computerized bibliographic databases (Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register). The local experience of the authors was reviewed in light of the available literature.

Results

145 full-text articles were suitable for further evaluation. Only six retrospective studies were available, and no prospective study could be retrieved. Most of the articles were case reports. In the South African co-author’s own clinical practice, approximately 800 patients are treated per year with gunshot wounds.

Conclusions

In summary, there are only a few clear indications for bullet removal. These include bullets found in joints, CSF, or the globe of the eye. Fragments leading to impingement on a nerve or a nerve root, and bullets lying within the lumen of a vessel, resulting in a risk of ischemia or embolization, should be removed. Rare indications are lead poisoning caused by a fragment, and removal that is required for a medico-legal examination. In all other cases the indication should be critically reviewed.

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Acknowledgments

Thomas Dienstknecht would like to thank the German Trauma Society for granting him the travel award in 2008 and supporting his training period at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, University of Aachen Medical Center, 30 Pauwels Street, 52074, Aachen, Germany

    T. Dienstknecht, K. Horst & R. M. Sellei

  2. Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany

    A. Berner & M. Nerlich

  3. Departments of Health KZN and Surgery, Trauma Service, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa

    T. C. Hardcastle

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  1. T. Dienstknecht
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Correspondence to T. Dienstknecht.

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Dienstknecht, T., Horst, K., Sellei, R.M. et al. Indications for bullet removal: overview of the literature, and clinical practice guidelines for European trauma surgeons. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 38, 89–93 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-011-0170-x

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