Butt, Muhammad UmarZacharias, NikolaosVelmahos, George2011-02-182009Butt, Muhammad U., Nikolaos Zacharias, and George C. Velmahos. 2009. Penetrating abdominal injuries: management controversies. Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine 17: 19.1757-7241http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:4727703Penetrating abdominal injuries have been traditionally managed by routine laparotomy. New understanding of trajectories, potential for organ injury, and correlation with advanced radiographic imaging has allowed a shift towards non-operative management of appropriate cases. Although a selective approach has been established for stab wounds, the management of abdominal gunshot wounds remains a matter of controversy. In this chapter we describe the rationale and methodology of selecting patients for non-operative management. We also discuss additional controversial issues, as related to antibiotic prophylaxis, management of asymptomatic thoracoabdominal injuries, and the use of colostomy vs. primary repair for colon injuries.en-USJournal Article2011-02-1810.1186/1757-7241-17-19