Objective:

To determine the efficacy of laparoscopy versus laparotomy approach as treatment in patients with penetrating abdominal trauma caused by stab wounds.

Methods:

We conducted an experimental, prospective and comparative study. Study population was represented by patients with diagnosis of penetrating abdominal trauma due to stab wounds who were admitted to the emergency room of Dr. Miguel Pérez Carreño Hospital between January 2019 and July 2021.

Results:

48 patients were included, 28 in the control group and 20 patients in the experimental group. No differences were found between groups regarding age and sex. The penetrating abdominal trauma index (PATI) was similar in both groups. Differences in complications and surgical time were not statistically significant. Non-therapeutic surgeries represented 15 % in laparoscopic group and 11 % in laparotomy group. The conversion percentage was 15 %. Hospital stay were shorter in laparoscopic group, 3.25 vs 4.6 days (p = 0.04).

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic surgery can be considered the approach of choice in hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating abdominal trauma due to stab wounds. It is a safe and effective method, providing the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, with a low rate of complications and faster patient recovery.