Stab wound

A stab wound is an injury caused by sharp and/or cutting objects such as knives, penknives, daggers, and similar items.

According to the mechanism of injury, stab wounds may be classified as puncture wounds, incised wounds (with clearly defined edges), or mixed wounds. Another classification is based on the depth of the injury, which may be superficial, deep, or penetrating (when it passes completely through a body structure).

The most common cause is an assault by another person, although the injury may also be self-inflicted.

The symptoms depend on the location and depth of the wound, but generally all stab wounds cause bleeding and severe pain. Bleeding may be external and visible, but it can also be internal and less apparent. When the injury causes severe bleeding, signs and symptoms of shock may develop, including hypotension, tachycardia, cold sweating, dizziness, and others. In addition, if the wound is located in the chest, it may be accompanied by shortness of breath; if it is located in the abdomen, it may result in protrusion of internal organs.

The diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the history of the injury and visualisation of the wound. Blood tests should be requested to assess red blood cell levels, platelet count, and coagulation factors. When internal bleeding (for example, abdominal bleeding) and/or visceral injury is suspected, imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound scans, and/or computed tomography (CT) scans are required.

Treatment includes haemodynamic stabilisation and pain management. Bleeding must be controlled as quickly as possible through direct pressure on the wound, sutures, and in some cases haemostatic agents. If organ damage and/or internal bleeding are present, urgent surgical intervention is required. In addition, blood transfusions and other blood products may be necessary to replace blood lost during the haemorrhage.

This is a life-threatening medical emergency, and medical attention should not be delayed. Before assisting the injured person, it is essential to ensure that the attacker no longer poses a threat to either the patient or the person providing assistance. Otherwise, the police should be contacted before helping the injured individual.