TITLE:
An Abdominal Gunshot Wound and a Bullet with an Intramuscular Trajectory: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Gilbert Frank Olivier Ngongang, Mvondo Stéphane Eya, Fleury Bolla, Nguemo Pascal Fogang, Eric Nseme
KEYWORDS:
Abdominal Wound, Gunshot, Ballistic
JOURNAL NAME:
Forensic Medicine and Anatomy Research,
Vol.14 No.2,
February
26,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Gunshot injuries are always a challenging case, but is surgery always needed? Early assessment of the trajectory of bullet leads to an effective management plan. These cases require a multidisciplinary approach for a satisfactory outcome. Case Presentation: In this case, we present a 63-year-old male who was brought to our emergency department with a lower left flank gunshot wound. Imaging showed the location of the bullet in the abdominal wall musculature. Discussion: Atypical routes taken by bullets in firearm wounds can pose challenges in both surgical intervention and forensic medical diagnosis. Successful treatment necessitates a thorough clinical and radiological evaluation. Precise identification of the entry point, exit point, bullet’s path, and the degree of tissue damage is crucial for preparing for Bullet removal and predicting patient outcomes. However, not all individuals with gunshot injuries exhibit uncommon bullet paths. In certain instances, surgical intervention may even be unnecessary. Nevertheless, precise radiological evaluation remains essential in these complex situations. Conclusion: For effective management of gunshot wounds, a good clinical as well as paraclinical assessment is needed. A multidisciplinary approach remains the best way to improve prognosis.