Gunshot wounds of the face in attempted suicide patients

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the functional and cosmetic results of the treatment of gunshot wounds associated with attempted suicide that resulted in facial injury.

Patients and methods: The records of 12 patients with facial injury resulting from gunshot wounds with a suicidal origin, who were hospitalized and treated at Ege University Hospital, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, were reviewed.

Results: All injuries were limited to the head and neck region; in only one patient did intracranial penetration occur. Mandibular fractures were detected in all cases. Fractures of the maxilla were present in 11 patients. Eight patients suffered from zygomatic fractures. Perforating ocular trauma was present in two cases. Soft tissue repair was performed by primary closure, local flaps, or skin grafts, and rigid fixation was used for fractures. Procedures such as distant flaps or bone grafting were left for delayed reconstruction.

Conclusion: Only 3 of 12 patients returned for follow-up and reconstruction. It was therefore concluded that relatives of these patients believe that the repair of such deformities, even if it is a functional deformity, is not necessary. Thus, in such cases, one should do as much reconstruction as possible at the primary surgical intervention.