International emergency nursing
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Over the past four decades there has been a shift from operative to selective conservatism in trauma. Selective nonoperative management (SNOM) of stab wounds to the abdomen is widely accepted in trauma centres. However, selective conservatism with gunshot wounds to the abdomen is controversial. This collective review assesses the evidence of SNOM of gunshot wounds to the abdomen. ⋯ Current evidence supports SNOM of gunshot wounds to the abdomen. It is associated with a decreased rate of non therapeutic laparotomy. Careful patient selection and specially designed protocols should be established and adhered to.