Systematic review on firearm injuries in the face: state of the art and existing gaps

ADRIANE BATISTA PIRES MAIA, SIMONE GONÇALVES ASSIS, CECÍLIA MINAYO

Introduction: The treatment of patients with gunshot wounds (GSW) in the face usually represents one of the greatest challenges for the surgeon. Given this challenge, it is necessary to know what the scientific literature recommends about the treatment of these injuries. Objectives: To systematize the bibliographic production on the occurrence of gunshot wounds in the face, map the existing evidence in the literature, identify the main sources, the themes studied and the existing gaps. Methods: The review uses the Scoping method, having been performed in Brazilian and international electronic bibliographic databases and gray literature (BVS, Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed, Lilacs, SciELO, Medline, Sociological Abstract, Cochrane Library, Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (BTDB), Fiocruz Theses Collections) without stipulation of temporal or territorial cut. Results: A total of 111 documents were found and analyzed, with an increasing number of publications between 2010 and 2019, most of them published in English, from North American origin. Gunshot wounds in the face (GSWF) are more frequent among male patients, about 29-39 years old. The most researched themes found on facial ballistic trauma were, in descending order: surgical treatment, complications, reconstructions and grafts, demographic profile, suicide attempts, complementary exams for diagnosis and surgical planning and other themes. Conclusion: Despite of the increasing number of publications about GSWF in the face, there is a relevant knowledge gap regarding studies about prevention and that evaluate the functional and psychosocial repercussions of this type of morbidity.

Keywords: Firearms. Facial injuries. Surgery, oral.

How to cite: Maia ABP, Assis SG, Minayo C. Systematic review on firearm injuries in the face: state of the art and existing gaps. J Braz Coll Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021 Jan-Apr;7(1):15-22.

Monday, May 13, 2024 12:57