Urban violence and splenic trauma in patients undergoing splenectomy
Keywords:
Splenectomy, Splenic injury, Penetrating abdominal trauma.Abstract
Splenectomy, the surgical removal of the spleen, is often performed due to trauma and hematological disorders. Blunt trauma, such as car accidents, is a common cause of splenic injuries, leading to the need for splenectomy in many cases. In addition, the incidence of urban violence, including firearm and stab wounds, contributes significantly to the indications for splenectomy. A retrospective study carried out at the University Hospital of the Federal University of the São Francisco Valley (HU/UNIVASF) sought to identify the epidemiological profile of patients undergoing splenectomy, with a special focus on the relationship with urban violence. The results showed that the majority of patients were male, with an average age of around 30, predominantly brown and with little schooling. Car accidents were the main cause of splenectomy, followed by firearm and stab wounds. The analysis also revealed a high mortality rate among patients who suffered firearm and bladed weapon trauma. These findings highlight the importance of effective public policies to deal with urban violence, as it has a significant impact on public health, resulting in considerable human and financial costs. Understanding these epidemiological patterns can guide interventions to prevent splenic trauma and improve the treatment and management of these injuries.
